Are you 55 and over, struggling to live independently in the community but do not want or need to move into a residential care home? Extra Care Housing offers an alternative route for some people, subject to eligibility and assessment.
Residents have their own apartment and front door, with an independent tenancy managed by a housing provider. The schemes are built close to local amenities and often offer activities and clubs on site. Features such as lifts, emergency call systems and on-site support can provide reassurance for people concerned about falls, mobility issues or living alone.
The accommodation is part of a wider support scheme – emergency assistance is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and housing support is available during the working week.
Who is Extra Care Housing suitable for?
- People who are able to live independently but need a safety net from emergency 24/7 support staff.
- Those who may need specific housing-related support, but can hold a tenancy
- Those with care needs that can’t be easily met living in the community, where planned care support, coupled with the 24/7 emergency offer, means independent living is possible.
- People experiencing loneliness or social isolation, without the opportunity to easily resolve this themselves by moving within the community. Moving into the scheme can give greater social opportunities and support.
- Adults younger than 55 years old may be considered in exceptional circumstances, where the scheme is recognised as the best environment given the person’s circumstances. For example, a young man in his late 20s is benefiting from the support following a stroke, requiring support with daily living activities and mobility.
Will Extra Care always be suitable?
- Extra Care Housing acts as a way of extending a person’s ability to remain in their own home and community for as long as possible. Risks to the individual and to those living in the scheme are considered when a person shows interest in moving into an Extra Care scheme. If someone is deemed suitable, they will go on the scheme waiting list to be offered a flat.
- Over time, people’s needs might change to mean they are no longer suitable. As care needs increase, other more supportive options may need to be discussed with people in the scheme and their family/friends.
Assessment and eligibility
- People will need to have an assessment, to capture their individual needs. The appropriate level of support is determined through this assessment process.
- The assessment is anonymised and sent to the extra care panel, to see if risks can be managed and needs fit the independent offer of the scheme.
There are currently two existing housing schemes in Grimsby – Strand Court and Burchester Court – with another development planned for Cambridge Road.
Funding arrangements depend on an individual’s circumstances, assessed care needs and eligibility for benefits. Some residents choose to self-fund. For many residents, a significant proportion of housing costs may be covered through Housing Benefit, where eligible.
More information and application details are available at Extra Care Housing | NELC. Alternatively, you can self-refer to individual schemes or contact the Single Point of Access (SPA) for information on (01472) 256256.
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