Extra Care

Extra Care living: giving you independence in your own home with the care and support you need

We are embarking on a journey to build and transform independent living for older people who need care and support. Extra Care living provides the opportunity to live independently in your own home, with care and support tailored to your needs.

What is Extra Care?

Extra Care living offers residents with care needs the chance to live in a home that can be easily adapted as their needs change. It provides choice, flexibility and independence; helping those who may find it difficult to cope alone to stay in a home of their own, rather than moving into a care home.

Extra Care Housing offers more than just a place to live – it's a home with the care and support you need to live independently for as long as possible.

What is Extra Care Housing?

Extra Care Housing combines independent living with communal support.

It has:

• self-contained apartments: Each apartment has its own fully accessible bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and living room, ensuring residents have a private and independent space.
• generous communal spaces. Facilities for fitness, leisure and socialising, along with accessible gardens, give residents opportunities to stay active and engaged.
• 24/7 on-site care and support services. Care and support staff from reputable CQC registered providers are available around the clock. Assistive technology ensures residents’ safety and helps provide urgent care as soon as it is needed.
• Extra Care Housing is designed to be adaptable; catering to the needs of people with disabilities, those who may be socially excluded and individuals with long-term health conditions. It is a form of living which grows with the resident, offering a supportive environment that can adjust as care needs evolve.

Community and social life in Extra Care Housing

One of the key benefits of Extra Care Housing is the strong sense of community it encourages.

• residents are provided with plenty of opportunities for social interaction in communal areas
• Extra Care schemes act as hubs for the wider community, welcoming local residents and businesses into the space for social and leisure activities. This opens up opportunities for residents to connect with others and remain engaged in their community, even as they age
• the design of this type of accommodation encourages residents to get out and about, enjoying the local amenities on their doorstep

This supportive environment promotes social inclusion, physical activity and a higher quality of life, allowing residents to fully enjoy their older age.

Where is Extra Care Housing?

We currently have Extra Care Housing schemes located at:

• Melrose Court, Poundbury (Dorchester)
• Trailway Court, Blandford
• St Martin’s House, Gillingham – opening October 2024 (flats available)

Each scheme offers modern, purpose-built accommodation with a focus on accessibility and community engagement, with the peace of mind of a 24-7 Care and Support service in place.

The future of Extra Care

To meet growing demand, we are planning to develop more Extra Care Housing schemes over the next decade. The new developments planned for the area are:

• Bridport
• Wareham
• Weymouth
• East Dorset

This is part of a broader strategy to ensure that older residents can live fulfilling lives, stay engaged with their local communities, and develop or maintain their social and leisure interests.

We have also now published our Inclusive Housing Design Guide for Extra Care which includes more information.

How do I apply to live in an Extra Care scheme?

If you are interested in living in an Extra Care Housing scheme, you will need to complete a Care Act Assessment. This assessment is conducted by our team to determine your care needs. More information about the Care Act Assessment and how to apply - Get your care needs looked at - Dorset Council

Extra Care not the right fit? Need other housing support?

If Extra Care Housing doesn’t meet your needs or those of a loved one, we offer a range of housing support services. Visit the housing section of our website to explore other options and see how we can help you find the right accommodation.

Have more questions?

If you have any questions that haven’t been answered here, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.