Almshouse Accommodation

Under the terms of its charitable scheme, Odiham Consolidated Charities ( OCC ) provides almshouse accommodation for elderly persons in financial and social need. Applicants should generally be over retirement age, they should be capable of living independently but have a clear need for the support provided by the Charity. The Trustees would expect that applicants can demonstrate they have been resident in the area of the Parish of Odiham and North Warnborough ( part of which extends into Hook ) for a minimum of 5 years, either as a current resident or in the past.

The Parish of Odiham Click to open in a new window

Almshouse Facilities

The Charity has 26 almshouses grouped in three main courtyard complexes – Old Court, Benford Court and Gurney Court. The site is located behind All Saints Church as shown on the location map. OCC provides heavily subsidised accommodation to those of limited means so it is necessary for applicants to complete a financial assessment to evaluate their finances, as part of the application process. OCC employs a full time, non resident Almshouse Manager and an Assistant Manager who covers for the Manager when she is on holiday or for other planned absences. The Almshouse Manager and Assistant Manager will make regular checks on the residents as to their health and wellbeing, they provide support in liaising with the local doctors’ surgery and other agencies as required and are able to help residents with any minor problems or domestic issues. They are not however in a position to provide nursing care and this is why new residents must be in sufficiently good health when they enter the almshouses to be able to lead independent lives. This may change as they continue to live at the almshouse and some residents will appoint or contract carers to aid them.

However once a resident becomes too frail or ill to remain at the almshouse ,the Almshouse Manager and the Trustees will initiate a discussion as to his or her future requirements with the family. The majority of the Charity’s almshouses comprise one bedroom bungalows. Most of the bungalows are of a size which suits single people although we do have some which are big enough to accommodate a couple. Within each property there is a living room, bedroom, shower room and kitchen and each bungalow is centrally heated and has an emergency cord installed which is linked to our emergency assistance providers by a call system.

Location Map of the Odiham Almshouses

Click to open in a new windowOCC provides heavily subsidised accommodation to those of limited means so it is necessary for applicants to complete a financial assessment to evaluate their finances, as part of the application process. OCC employs a full time Warden who lives on site and an Assistant Warden who covers for the Warden when she is on holiday or for other planned absences. The Warden and Assistant Warden will make regular checks on the residents as to their health and wellbeing, they provide support in liaising with the local doctors’ surgery and other agencies as required and are able to help residents with any minor problems or domestic issues. They are not however in a position to provide nursing care and this is why new residents must be in sufficiently good health when they enter the almshouses to be able to lead independent lives. This may change as they continue to live at the almshouse and some residents will appoint or contract carers to aid them.

However once a resident becomes too frail or ill to remain at the almshouse ,the Warden and the Trustees will initiate a discussion as to his or her future requirements with the family. The majority of the Charity’s almshouses comprise one bedroom bungalows. Most of the bungalows are of a size which suits single people although we do have some which are big enough to accommodate a couple. Within each property there is a living room, bedroom, shower room and kitchen and each bungalow is centrally heated and has an emergency cord installed which is linked to the Warden, or in her absence, our emergency assistance providers, by a call system.

Almshouse charges

Residents pay a weekly maintenance contribution towards their accommodation and also a contribution towards water and heating costs. These charges are reviewed annually. Current charges are available on request. Residents are responsible for arranging and paying for Council Tax, electricity and telephones for their almshouse. New residents moving into an almshouse will need to provide their own fridge and other domestic appliances as required.

The Charity will provide a cooker if the resident(s) do not wish to bring their own.

The properties are provided with tiled floors for bathroom and kitchen.  If carpets are required, residents will need to arrange for purchase and fitting.

If you would like further information about applying for almshouse accommodation, please see below or go to Contact.