Extra care housing provides 24-hour support for older people who are unable to continue to live in their own homes.
The service offers:
- help with personal care
- access to meals
- help with domestic support – such as cleaning, laundry, shopping and preparing meals
- round-the-clock access to care if needed
- social and leisure activities
- help with medication
What community facilities are available?
Community facilities include communal lounges, hairdressing, library services and guest rooms. Some schemes offer more, such as a restaurant and bar.
How does extra care differ from sheltered housing and care homes?
Extra Care Housing is different because:
- it aims to offer a home for life
- you have your own tenancy
- you have your own front door
- it offers a safe and secure home for people who need support, including people with physical/sensory impairments, dementia and learning disabilities
- couples and friends with different care or support needs can stay together
- 24-hour care services are available if you need them
Who provides the service?
Most extra care schemes are built and run by housing associations or the local authority. Usually the care staff work under contract from Adult Social Care.
Cost of extra care housing
There are three parts to the cost of extra care housing.
- the cost of renting your accommodation
- the service charges
- your support costs
All the schemes vary in cost. The amount of rent, service and support charges you pay will depend on the size of your flat and the services you have been assessed for.
You only pay for the home care that you need. You may be eligible for help with some of these costs.
For further information
Download the extra care housing leaflet on the right, or ring the contact number at the top right hand side of this page.