Advice Centre

Sheltered Housing and Extra Care

Sheltered or retirement housing is suitable for people who like living independently but want the reassurance of knowing that assistance is on hand if there is an emergency, or who expect to be away from home for long periods and need to know their home is safe. Often called retirement housing, there are many different types of sheltered schemes, available both to rent and to buy. Schemes usually consist of between 15 and 40 dwellings. These may be bedsitting rooms, self-contained flats, bungalows or luxury apartments.

Some schemes are simply housing designed to meet the needs of older people and linked to a community alarm. The majority of schemes have a scheme manager/warden and 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.

The warden's role

The duties of the scheme manager/warden vary considerably between schemes. Some sheltered housing schemes have a resident scheme manager/warden and a 24-hour service; others have visiting or part-time staff. Most manager/wardens are expected to: manage the scheme; build up relationships with residents and encourage them to ask for additional support from statutory and voluntary organisations when appropriate; and summon help in an emergency. The scheme manager/warden is not expected to provide personal care for residents, or to carry out tasks like shopping or cleaning.

Extra Care

The Government is currently promoting Extra Care and providing funding for Extra Care provision. It's a concept rather than a housing type and covers a range of specialist housing models. It incorporates particular design features and has key guiding principles. Extra Care housing can be owned, rented, part owned and part rented and leasehold. Some developments mix types of tenures.

Extra Care includes private accommodation, eg a bungalow or flat, with access to domestic support, meals, recreation facilities and nursing care where necessary. Extra Care housing provides a flexible approach to care with security and 24-hour support from social and health care teams.