What Is the 'Extra' in Extra Care Housing?

Abstract

The article discusses key findings from a multidisciplinary study of ten remodelled extra care schemes for older people. It argues that the absence of a clear national definition of ‘extra care’ makes it difficult for older people, their relatives and social workers to dicide whether an extra case scheme is appropriate. Schemes were idiosyncratic. Only a minority provided an optional communal cooked lunch. A common problem was high care staff turnover so that temporary agency staff often had little idea of what an extra care shceme should provide. Although the tenants interviewed were largely satisfied with the care, some were distressed by carers' attitudes. Although assessment for an extra care place was based on the amount of paid care an older person had at home, this was unsound as it was common for care needs to decline in a scheme's improved physical environment. Building design, however, did not always take account of declining strength and poor mobility. Main scheme entrances were often difficult for some tenants to operate and were a barrier to going outside.