Housing term
Extra Care Housing
Also known as: Assisted living, Very sheltered housing
Sounds like: (/ˈɛkstrə kɛə ˈhaʊzɪŋ/)
What it means
Extra-care housing combines an independent home — usually a self-contained flat with its own front door — with personal care and support services based in the same building or scheme. Residents hold a tenancy or lease in the normal way and choose how much care they receive.
Schemes typically include staff available around the clock, communal facilities such as a restaurant or lounge, and an emergency alarm system in every home.
Why it may matter
Extra-care housing is often considered when someone's care needs have grown beyond what ordinary sheltered housing supports, but residential care is not wanted or needed. Because care is arranged flexibly, it can increase as needs change without requiring another move.
How you might see it used
Councils, housing associations and private operators all use the phrase, sometimes interchangeably with “assisted living”. A scheme description might say: “This extra-care development offers 40 one and two bedroom apartments with an on-site care team.”
Example in context
A person who needs help with washing and dressing each morning, but wants to keep their own flat, kitchen and daily routine, might rent an apartment in an extra-care scheme and arrange a morning care visit through the on-site team.