Extra care sheltered housing

Extra care housing provides an integrated housing, care and community solution whereby people can benefit from having care and support services available to them within the housing scheme they live in.  

Residents are enabled to remain in their own homes with access to communal facilities (such as a restaurant and hair salon) and a care service; enabling residents to remain as independent as possible and remain a part of, and at the same time active within the wider community. Residents in extra care can access individual support, background support and waking night support to suit their needs. Care and support can be continuous or periodic but is always tailored to meet the supported person’s individual needs.  

Extra care offers more support than sheltered housing but more independence than a care home. Extra care is suitable for those with low or developing needs rather than those who may need more intensive support in residential care. Each scheme aims for a balanced community with a mixture of needs. 

Residents can be assisted with tasks such as washing, dressing, going to the toilet or taking medication. Domestic help, such as shopping and laundry, and meals may also be provided. 

Extra care housing is provided through a partnership of agencies working together to provide a holistic service to support residents’ independence. The two main agencies are the housing provider and the care provider. The legal agreements for the provision of care and accommodation are separate.  

Both care and accommodation can be paid for privately where people have the means to do so. Where they do not, local authorities can support with funding through care management arrangements (either directly or through personal budgets) and housing benefit. 

Common features of extra care

• On-site housing staff
• On site care and support staff, providing personal care and domestic services
• Communal facilities and services such as a lounge, dining area and garden
• 24-hour emergency help through an alarm system
• Social activities
• A minimum age for residents possibly 40yrs+ but usually 50yrs+
• Self-contained apartments
• Some extra-care housing is available to buy or rent privately and some is available from the local council following a care needs assessment  

Extra care schemes within the borough 

Click on the scheme names to be taken to a webpage with more information:  

• Beechwood Grove, 1 Albert Rd, Caversham, Reading, RG4 7AN
• Cedar Court, 30 Whitley Rise, Reading, RG2 0NS
• Charles Clore Court, 139 Appleford Rd, Reading, RG30 3NT
• Chimney Court, Shilling Close, Tilehurst, Reading, RG30 4EN
• Corner Stones, Halcyon Terrace, Reading RG30 4XR
• Huntley Place, Green Park Village, Flagstaff Road, Longwater Avenue, Reading, RG2 6AR
• Oak Tree House, 10 Spey Rd, Reading RG30 4DZ 

Application 

For people funding privately, you may contact the scheme directly or to apply for extra care sheltered housing through the council, you must complete a care and support needs assessment by Adult Social Care to determine eligibility. You may fill out a care assessment or call Reading’s Adult Social Care on 0118 937 3747 for further support. 

Further information 

What is Extra Care Housing (housinglin.org.uk) 

What is Assisted Living (Extra-Care Housing)? | Age UK 

Extra care housing | Independent Age 

Find out how the council charges for the care and support it arranges.