Extra care housing

Extra care housing is made up of self-contained homes which have additional support services to help residents live independently.

The schemes have a manager and trained care staff on site or on call 24/7 to provide any extra care and support that may be needed, residents still have the comfort, security and privacy of their own front door. The schemes are popular and often have waiting lists.

It is primarily for people who are 55 and over who have a social care need and require support to live independently.  In Extra Care you will have access to care and support 24 hours a day, the buildings are safe and secure with built in community alarms and other assistive technologies.

Each Extra Care scheme has around 40 self-contained one or two bed apartments, the buildings are fully accessible, and the apartments are level access throughout making it easy to access every room. Each scheme has additional facilities such as communal lounges, restaurants, laundries, hairdressers and some have their own shop.

Who is eligible for Extra Care housing

If you live in Gateshead you can apply, regardless of whether you own your home or are a council or housing association tenant. We will need to do an assessment to work out whether Extra Care Housing will be right for you and that it will meet your needs. During the assessment, your needs will be identified and agreed with you, and then we will discuss what help and support is available.

How much it costs

The overall cost of living in Extra Care Housing comprises four elements:

• the costs to rent your home (unless you are a purchaser) and regular household charges
• to maintain the shared communal facilities, there is a housing service charge
• the cost of the emergency alarm, response service and background support provided
• additional cost of any care that you need

Those with care needs could be eligible for help with this part of the cost, dependent on income and savings. You may also qualify for Housing Benefit or Income Support, and could be entitled to an exemption from Council Tax. To see if you qualify, we will help you to fill out a financial assessment form.

Find extra care housing in Gateshead