Answer

Further to information provided by a Housing Enabler, there are examples of stock transfer sheltered housing providing support in rural areas (sale of Local Authority homes to Housing Associations) in Sandford, Bere Regis & Corfe Castle and also by Raglan HA an older peoples scheme in Church Knowle.

Following a recent West Dorset Housing Strategy consultation day, 'Supporting People' (Government Funding Body for specialist supported housing services) was concerned that general affordable housing was not designed with sufficient versatility to be able to cater for the variety of need that should be expected. Supporting People felt the answer would be an application of Lifetime Homes Design for all affordable homes.

A good example of this would be a parent in a rural area wanting the assurance of supported housing being available for a child with a disability.  Therefore to be looked after and housed in the parish should the parent be unable to continue providing that suport directly.  Although this would be low level support it would be essential to enable that child to remain in the parish where they have existing friends/family and a network of wider support.  

More information will be added to this answer as it comes to light.