Extra Care Housing

Extra care housing (also known as sheltered housing/assisted living/supported living) offers individuals more independence than living in a care home because they can reside in a self-contained flat while getting meals provided. People using this service can also receive personal care, where required.

This accommodation is easy to manage, ranging from a simple bedsit to a large flat or small house.

Extra care housing schemes may have a scheme manager (previously called wardens) who live either on or offsite. There should be 24-hour emergency help via an alarm system to support everyone’s independence as well as care and support.

Extra care housing schemes can provide a greater level of access and mobility for frail, older people with a domiciliary care service and personal care element being available.

Although accommodation is self-contained, there are often communal areas such as a lounge, communal dining room and garden for all individuals to socialise in. Many schemes also run social activities for residents.

While some housing is available to rent privately, most sheltered housing for rent is provided by councils or housing associations that allocate housing based on need and there is often a waiting list.

Retirement Villages

Retirement village residents usually buy an apartment on the site, although in some schemes they can part-buy or even rent the property. Residents can decorate it how they wish, and most villages allow pets. The properties are designed to keep people living independently and can be kitted out with alarms, fall sensors and easily accessible showers.

At a retirement village, you can also pay for care and support services, which are on-site, as and when you need them.

Retirement Villages have various types of housing with some even including a care home on one site, which can mean residents don’t have to move twice.

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