Housing options Sheltered or retirement housing Sheltered and retirement housing is provided by housing associations and some district councils. Sheltered housing, which is mostly available for rent only, is a practical step if you would like more security and companionship and, for some, additional help and support.
Homeshare Oxfordshire Homeshare Oxfordshire personally matches older people looking for help, companionship or reassurance at home, with another person who is happy to lend a hand and needs affordable accommodation. In return for a room, the person will provide up to 10 hours of help around the home
each week. This may involve things like cooking, gardening, help with technology, odd jobs and errands, as well as companionship. Visit www.homeshareoxfordshire.org.uk for details of fees. To find out more, email homeshare@ageukoxfordshire.org.uk or call 01865 410670.
Extra Care housing Extra Care housing allows older and disabled people with care needs to rent, part-buy or buy their own home with round-the-clock care if needed. For many people, Extra Care housing is an alternative to residential care. The look of the accommodation varies enormously; some are new, purpose-built retirement villages, others are modernised sheltered housing schemes with extra services on site. Many offer a choice of accommodation such as flats or bungalows. What all residents of Extra Care housing have in common is the security of owning or renting your own home, control over your finances and the peace of mind that goes with having 24-hour care and support available on site. In most cases, Extra Care housing is accessed via an assessment of your care needs from a social worker and an assessment of your housing needs by a housing officer. Some apartments are available for full market sale and buyers do not normally
require an assessment of their needs; they just need to be over 55 to qualify. If you wish to refer yourself or someone else for assessment, you can arrange an assessment online or call the Social and Health Care team on 0345 050 7666. To find out more about Extra Care housing, visit www.oxfordshire.gov.uk and search ‘extra care’. There are also details on how to apply to Extra Care schemes in Oxfordshire. District council contacts Cherwell District Council Bodicote House, Bodicote, Banbury OX15 4AA Tel: 01295 227001 Web: www.cherwell.gov.uk Oxford City Council Town Hall, St Aldate’s OX1 1BX Tel: 01865 249811 Web: www.oxford.gov.uk
To find more information about care and support services visit www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/livewell
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