Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English - sheltered

~ adj 1 a sheltered life/childhood/existence etc a life etc in which someone has been too protected from difficult or unpleasant experience  (Marian's sheltered upbringing had left her unprepared for such extreme poverty.) 2 a place that is sheltered is protected from extreme weather conditions  (a sheltered valley) 3 sheltered accommodation/housing BrE a place for people to live who cannot fully look after themselves where help is provided if they need it  (sheltered accommodation for the elderly)