Extra Care is a type of housing you can move to if need more help to manage at home but don’t need to move into a care home. You’ll have your own flat or bungalow, your own front door, and privacy — but with support nearby if you need it.
You can come and go as you please, cook your own meals, and decorate your flat how you like. There are shared spaces too, like lounges, dining areas, and gardens where you can relax or join in with social activities. This helps you stay part of a community while still having your own space.
What’s included?
Extra Care Housing usually offers:
- staff on site to help with care, housing needs, or emergencies
- shared lounges, gardens, and activity rooms
- an assisted bathroom
- guest rooms for visitors
- lifts, handrails, and other accessible features
- launderette
- parking (will vary per scheme)
- some community health services including, community dentistry, chiropody services, and pharmacy services.
Care and support
Support is flexible and built around your needs. It can include help with:
- personal care like washing, dressing or using the toilet
- cooking, cleaning, or shopping
- managing your tenancy or rent
- using special equipment or assistive technology to keep you safe
- support for people living with dementia
Staff are available 24 hours a day, every day of the week. Carers will only visit if this is part of your care plan or if you call for help. Community nurses may also visit if you need them. If you have very high care needs or need nursing care, a care home may be more suitable.
Applying for Extra Care housing
You may be able to apply if you:
- are aged 50 or over (some schemes may have different rules)
- live in Brent
- have been assessed by Brent Adult Social Care as having eligible care needs
- have an identified housing need as well as care needs
We’ll need to assess your care and support needs first. If eligible, your social worker will need to refer you to the Extra Care housing scheme.
How much does it cost?
The cost depends on your care needs and financial situation.
If you qualify for support from Brent Adult Social Services, we’ll carry out a financial assessment to see how much you will need to pay and if the council can help with the costs.
You may also need to pay rent and service charges for your home. The cost of housing does vary.
