Sheltered Housing, Extra Care, Respite and Day Care

 

Sheltered Housing

 

Sheltered Housing schemes are ideal for active retired people who wish to lead independent lives, but also require the security of a Warden who is on hand in case of emergencies.  It should be noted that such Wardens only offer a watchful eye and any care requirement will need to be met from the range of domiciliary services available.  Sheltered housing is offered by a variety of providers, for rent or sale and your local Citizens Advice Bureau or District Council should be able to provide a list of schemes in your area.

 

Extra Care

New forms of sheltered housing and retirement housing have been pioneered in recent years to cater for older people who are becoming frailer and less able to do everything for themselves. Extra Care Housing is housing designed with the needs of frailer older people in mind and with varying levels of care and support available on site. People who live in Extra Care housing have their own self contained homes, their own front doors and a legal right to occupy the property. Extra Care housing is a popular choice among older people because it can sometimes provide an alternative to a care home.

 

Domestic support and personal care are available usually provided by on site staff. Properties can be rented, owned or part owned/part rented. Most areas and most providers set eligibility criteria which prospective residents have to meet.

 

 

Respite

Circumstances may arise in which an individual requires a period of more intensive care.  This may be following a period of sickness or perhaps because of the absence of the usual family carer as a result of holidays.  In such situations, respite care in a specialist nursing or residential establishment may provide the solution.  Many homes, particularly those in the independent sector are able to provide extremely flexible respite care packages.  These can range from a two week visit, to an overnight stay.

 

 

Day Care

Day care is provided for people who are finding it difficult to manage in their own home but who do not require residential or nursing care. Day Care centres range from those that offer a safe, comfortable environment where the members can join in activities such as art, gentle exercise, games and music and where services such as a hairdresser are on hand, to those that provide specialist treatments by skilled clinical staff.