It's worth having a word in the first instance with your social services department. Mum's has been brilliant. She's explained all the options and has helped us through the funding applications, as well as giving us a locally produced directory of care homes of all types. She's helped to arrange some periodic respite care as well, which is also helping us to see for ourselves which are the most appropriate places.
Sheltered housing is for people who are still able to live independently. It sounds like what you need is Extra Care or Residential/Nursing care homes.
Hi crisgal. The first thing I would do (I did with my Mum) was speak to her doctor and she got the Social services involved. They should get things moving for you. Good luck with it