Accommodation options

Extra Care housing

Extra Care offers housing for people aged 55 and over. It gives people the opportunity to live in a home of their own with 24/7 support on hand, should the person need it.

Living in Extra Care housing will give you or your loved one independence and choice over their life. It also gives people control over their finances and social lives, maintains privacy and provides flexible support should your needs change.

Tenants of Extra Care facilities have their own front door, privacy and space to live in, but support is always available if it’s needed.

Schemes usually include:

• One- or two-bedroom apartments.

• An on-site restaurant.

• Social and community activities.

• A hairdresser. • A gym.

• A shop.

Facilities often hold community and social events for residents to engage with one another and meet new people.

The cost of Extra Care is split into three areas:

• Housing – the cost of renting, buying or shared ownership of the home.

• Service charge – this covers home maintenance, communal facilities, support and some utility costs.

• Individual care costs – dependent on the level of care required.

Find out more about Extra Care opportunities in Worcestershire at www.worcestershire.gov.uk (search ‘what is extra care?’).

Supported Living

Supported Living is a term used to describe situations in which people who have care and/ or support needs rent their home, and their personal care or support is provided by a different organisation. This means they can change their support without having to move or can move and take the same support with them. They may also own their own home. People also have greater security of tenure and can claim a wider range of welfare benefits than in residential care.

Supported Living can be delivered in a range of settings, including individual flats or houses, clusters of self-contained flats on the same site, shared accommodation or Extra Care housing. The individual, a private landlord, a housing association, a local authority or a charity may own the property.

Supported Living refers to the way in which accommodation and support are organised, rather than the amount of support. This will be tailored to individual need and can include access to support 24 hours a day if assessed as necessary, although many people do not require this – particularly with the use of Assistive Technology (discussed on page 13).

Visit the websites below to watch a series of short videos about people’s experiences of Supported Living.

Anne’s story

Web: https://youtu.be/44gCz6Vexts

Claire’s story

Web: https://youtu.be/oh3l-dVVyf4

Joanne’s story

Web: https://youtu.be/Wp6tqFLlDI0