Extra care housing is a form of accessible accommodation mainly for older adults that is designed to promote independence and includes 24/7 on-site care and support.
Accommodation is in the form of self-contained ‘units’ - either flats or bungalows. Most schemes have communal spaces and facilities for all residents.
The accommodation is usually owned by a housing association whilst the care and support element is provided either in-house (Cumberland Care) or via the independent market, commissioned through a framework agreement.
Commissioned care providers are deemed to be the ‘provider of choice’ for all residents in a particular scheme, including people who self fund, though customers can choose to organise support from alternative providers if they wish.
There are currently nine extra schemes in Cumberland (including the soon to open Harbour Place in Workington). Five of these have care and support delivered by the independent market. Four are delivered by Cumberland Care.
Provision of extra care housing is currently concentrated in a small number of locations within Cumberland and remains a developing area of the market, with demand expected to grow significantly over the coming years. There are capacity and access opportunities in parts of west and north Cumberland, where provision is currently limited.
Existing schemes are primarily designed to support older adults with lower-level physical health needs, highlighting a capability opportunity to expand provision for people with medium to higher levels of need; working age adults, including people with learning disabilities, autism or mental health needs
Market strengths:
Growing market.
Increasing provision in west Cumberland.
Customers can stay in their own homes as their care needs increase, with assurance that support is available in an emergency.
Market pressures and opportunities:
Current provision often supports a higher proportion of residents with lower-level needs, which can limit the availability of appropriate vacancies for people with medium to high levels of need.
Sustainability of independent market.
Capacity and access opportunity as there is limited geographic coverage in a number of key service centre areas.
Capability opportunity to expand provision beyond lower-level physical needs, particularly: dementia and working-age adults.