Have questions about Extra Care?
Below, you'll find the answers to the most common questions we have about Extra Care properties. But if you can't find the answer you're looking for, please do get in touch.
What is Extra Care?
Extra Care schemes are not care homes. An Extra Care property provides you with your own home that has been designed to help you live independently for longer. Extra Care properties are self-contained, with your own bedroom, bathroom and kitchen facilities.
You can receive individually tailored support and care (if you need it). And this support can be adapted as your needs change. If you live with a partner, you can both receive individually tailored support, allowing you to stay living together while receiving the right support for you.
There are lunch time meal services available during the week that you can access if you want too, but this is optional. And support staff are available onsite 24/7.
If you enjoy socialising, our schemes have a fantastic community feel with a wide ranging schedule of social activities so that you can keep active and get to know your neighbours.
What is the difference between Extra Care and Independent Living?
Both Independent Living and Extra Care mean you have your own home with your own bedroom, bathroom and kitchen facilities. However, Extra Care offers more support. For example, Extra Care has onsite care services, onsite staff 24/7 and meal services if you or your partner needs them.
What is the difference between Extra Care and a Residential Care Home?
You (or your partner) need to have a care or support need to live in an Extra Care property. But it is not a care home.
In an Extra Care scheme, you still have your own property that is self-contained with your own front door and kitchen facilities. Extra Care schemes have a range communal facilities, lounges and gardens as well as an optional meal service during the week.
Support staff are available 24/7 should you need them.
Extra Care schemes are all about helping you to maintain your independence, in your own home.
How can I apply to live in an Extra Care scheme?
What happens once I've applied?
- Once you have submitted an application, an appointment will be made for you by Adult Social Care, who will assess your care and support needs for Extra Care housing.
- Once the assessment has been completed, it will be presented at the next panel meeting to see if you meet the qualifying criteria.
- If you meet the criteria, you'll be added to the waiting list for your preferred schemes.
- If you do not meet the Extra Care Housing criteria, you will be given advice about your housing options.
What is the criteria for Extra Care housing?
To apply for Extra Care housing, you need to be 55 and over and either you or your partner needs to have a care and support need.
Can I still apply for Extra Care housing if I own my own home?
Yes you can. Even if you are a home owner or have significant savings, you can still apply for Extra Care housing.
What if I need special adaptations to my home?
If the property you apply for requires any adaptations in order for yourself or your partner to live comfortably, just let us know when you apply. We can help arrange for any adaptations to be completed for you.
I don't have any support needs, but my partner does. Can we both still apply for Extra Care housing?
Yes you can. We welcome applications from joint applicants even if only one person has a care or support need. Our aim is to keep families together.
