Extra care housing

Extra care housing is for single people or couples 55 and over who want to maintain independence in their own home but need some care and support.

It is ideal for people who have long-term deteriorating health conditions, people who need care at night or whose needs can change quickly.

To qualify for extra care housing you must:

• be 55 or older
• have a social care need, physical or learning disability or mental health illness
• be registered for council housing with your local council.

If you meet these criteria, check the Kent Homechoice website to see what housing options are available in Kent.

We will assess you to check if your qualify for help and need the level of support provided in extra care.

Request an adult social care assessment.

Apartments usually consist of either 1 or 2 bedrooms. All apartments have accessible bedrooms, sitting room, separate kitchen area and walk in shower.

Staff are on duty 24 hours a day.

Extra care housing is also likely to include:

• lifts and hand rails throughout the communal spaces
• community alarm service and assistive technology
• lounges, restaurants and café
• activity room or computer area
• hairdresser or wellbeing room
• launderette
• mobility scooter store
• assisted bathroom
• guest facilities
• day services
• landscaped gardens
• parking.

Tenant associations sometimes arrange social events which all tenants are welcome to participate in.

Community links are encouraged and the hairdressers and restaurants are available for local people to use.

Care and support is on site and may be available up to 24 hours a day depending on the needs of residents. Staff are always around in case of emergencies.

The care is flexible and can fit around your personal needs and can support people with dementia.  Although carers are on site, they will only visit you if this is arranged in advance or if you need them in an emergency.

Community nurses will visit you in extra care housing if you need them.

If you need specialist nursing care or have a high level of dependency you may need to look at other options such as a care home.

1. Request an Assessment: We need to check if you need the level of care provided by extra care housing. Request an adult social care assessment from your local council. Request an assessment.

2. Visit Complexes: If you qualify, visit the extra care housing complexes in your area. This will help you decide which one is right for you.

3. Find Apartments: Look for available apartments to rent.

4. Apply Directly: Apply directly with the housing provider. We will give you advice on how to do this.

5. Panel Review: A panel will review your application. If you are successful, the housing provider will contact you.

You will need to pay for:

• Renting or Buying: The cost of renting or buying an apartment.
• Service Charge: A fee for the upkeep of the building and facilities.
• Care and Support Costs: This includes a wellbeing charge.
• General Household Costs: Utility bills, telephone, and council tax.

In some extra care housing locations you can pay individually for a hot midday meal and in other locations this is included within the housing charges.

You may be able to get help towards housing related charges and council tax.

Care and support costs will vary depending on your needs. How much you pay for your care depends on your needs and your financial circumstances. We will do a financial assessment to work out exactly how much you can afford to pay.

Wellbeing charge

Care staff are available on-site 24 hours a day to provide emergency care and support, this is separate to your care package. This service requires a small contribution called a wellbeing charge. Usually, Kent County Council charges this, but in some schemes, the housing provider charges directly.

We will determine how much you can afford to pay during your financial assessment. The maximum charge is currently £16.98 per week. This amount is reviewed annually, and we will inform you of any changes.

If you are a couple and both need care, you will both be assessed, and the charge will be shared. If only one of you needs care, only that person will pay.

Call your social care contact for more information or email accommodationsolutions@kent.gov.uk