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Nottinghamshire County Council has today approved the establishment of a new framework of providers for Extra Care schemes across the county.

The multi-provider framework can be used across existing and any future Extra Care developments. A framework of providers would provide greater choice, manage any contingencies and each call-off arrangement can provide a service that would be targeted to the particular requirements of a given scheme and the people who live there.

Extra Care schemes offer older people their own self-contained home, with their own front door, and secured tenancy or ownership within a community setting – along with access to personal care and support as needed.  Residents can come and go as they choose. This means that people can live independently while still being part of a community, with help available when they need it. Residents in these schemes pay their housing costs and a service charge for shared facilities, in addition to a contribution towards the cost of their care.

Homes are designed with level access flooring and easily accessible bathrooms, meaning that Extra Care housing can be safer for people who are at risk of trips or falls, or who may have other health conditions.

On-site facilities - which are often also open to the local community - may include hairdressing services, mid-day meals, Sunday lunches, coffee mornings or film nights, craft groups or exercise sessions. Residents have the choice to be involved as much or as little as they wish. 

Extra Care schemes are usually located close to local shops, leisure centres or other amenities and with public transport nearby, helping residents to feel part of their local community.
In addition to offering greater choice and more independence for residents, Extra Care can be a more cost-effective alternative to residential care for the council. 

Councillor Barry Answer, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care at Nottinghamshire County Council said: “People tell us that they want to stay as independent as possible, and people who live in Extra Care housing can continue to live independently and do the things they enjoy.  People living in Extra Care can have the reassurance of care and support from the on-site care team when they need it, and the care can be flexible to meet their changing needs. Extra Care offers a home for life that can also provide support as needs may increase over time.

“Extra Care schemes help to address issues of loneliness for older residents as they feel less isolated and have a chance to meet and mix with other people with shared interests and the freedom to engage with the wider community. Schemes like this enable older people to maintain independence and good health, pursue their interests, make connections and improve quality of life, and our new Framework will expand our offer for the future so that we can give people choice and good quality alternatives to residential care.”

Some of the people who use Extra Care shared their views:

Ron says that living at Gladstone House has made life easier: “I have no stairs to manage and get a hot meal at lunch time. I have assistance if needed and a once-a-week shopping assisted trip. This has all made my life so much better. I feel a lot happier living her, I am a happier person with an easier life.”

Brenda, an Extra Care user said: “You are never lonely; You’re not on your own it’s a community. Whatever activity they put on it’s wonderful. These places are great for us elderly people they stop us from being lonely, there should be more of them.”