Housing with support If you are finding it more difficult to live in and maintain your home, you may be considering different housing options. If you have low-level
support needs, one option is sheltered housing. If you have a higher level of care and support needs, Extra Care Housing could be a good solution.
Sheltered and retirement housing Sheltered and retirement housing is suitable for people who can live independently. It provides the peace of mind that there are some on-site services available that can provide low-level support. There are many types of sheltered schemes and retirement housing, available to rent or to buy. They are provided by district councils and housing associations. Schemes usually consist of between 15 and 40 dwellings. These may be bedsit rooms, self-contained flats, bungalows or luxury apartments. The complex is often built around a garden or communal facility and is linked to a central control centre for security.
Some schemes are simply housing for older people and are linked to a community alarm. Many schemes have a scheme manager or support worker and a community alarm service. There are often communal facilities, such as a lounge, laundry, guest flat and garden. Meals are not normally provided, but a few schemes include a restaurant, and some can arrange hot meals. Private developers also build retirement housing for older people, who are usually over 55, to buy or to rent, or for shared ownership. They set their own entry criteria for people with care and support needs.
Extra Care Housing Extra Care Housing is a purpose-built or adapted form of housing with self-contained, accessible and affordable one- or two-bedroom flats or bungalows that you can rent. It allows you to live as independently as possible, in the security and privacy of your own home. It also gives you the peace of mind that someone is on call if you need any help. If you have regular care and support needs, they can be met by the on-site team of care and support workers. Your support is tailored to your own situation and can easily be adjusted if your needs change.
There is also a member of staff on site at night, who you can call in an emergency by activating a lifeline which is available in each property. Communal facilities are also provided. These vary between schemes, but may include a lounge, craft rooms with organised activities, a laundry, a garden and guest rooms. A library, hairdressing and lunchtime meals are available at most schemes. They are often located close to local shops and amenities. All Extra Care schemes have on-site staff who are responsible for delivering support, including:
You can have help with things like:
• making sure you are ok each day;
• washing, dressing and personal care;
• help with correspondence;
• preparing snacks and heating up meals;
• assistance in making health appointments, such as with your GP;
• shopping and laundry; • some domestic tasks; and • reminders to take medicines.
• helping you deal with money matters; and • helping you to access other services, such as a handyperson service.
Visit www.carechoices.co.uk for further assistance with your search for care
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