Extra Care schemes offer more support than Independent Living. They have care services available and onsite staff 24/7. Meal services are also available if you or your partner need them. Each apartment has an emergency alarm system to call for assistance.
We've got five Extra Care schemes in Somerset and one in Dorset. They're designed to make living independently easier, but they are not care homes. You'll still have your own self-contained apartment including your own bedroom, bathroom and kitchen.
Support tailored to you
You'll receive individually tailored support which can be adapted as your needs change. And if you’re part of a couple and one of you has increasing needs, you can stay living together and receive the right support for each of you, individually.
If you require a personal package of care, this can be provided by a domiciliary care agency (where they come to you) who are contracted by the local authority or a company of your choosing.
If the property you are applying for requires any adaptations to enable you to live more comfortably, we will assist you in arranging this.
A friendly community on your doorstep
Most Extra Care properties also benefit from cosy communal lounges, beautiful gardens and a regular schedule of social activities, so you can can enjoy keeping active and getting to know your neighbours.
The services and facilities available at our Extra Care schemes vary from scheme to scheme. You can find out more about what support we offer here.
Who is eligible to apply for Extra Care?
If you’re aged 55 or over and you or your partner have a care or support need, you may be eligible to apply for a home. If you are already a homeowner or have significant savings, you are still entitled to apply.
Contact us
To find out more about how to apply to a specific scheme, get in touch:
- Call us on 0300 123 1567
- Contact us via this form
If you or your partner are already receiving services from Adult Social Care, they'll be able to contact us on your behalf.
Once we have received your expression of interest, we'll send you a form to complete and return.
We can send this form by post or email to you or a nominated person you give us the authority to send it to.
Next steps
Once we've received your expression of interest, we'll send you a form to complete and return. We can send this by post or email to you or a nominated person you give us the authority to send it to.
Once you've submitted your application, an appointment will be made for you by Adult Social Care. They'll assess your care and support needs for Extra Care housing. Once the assessment has been completed, it will be presented at the next panel meeting to see if you meet the qualifying criteria.
If you meet the criteria, you'll be added to the waiting list for your preferred schemes. If you're unsuccessful and your needs do not meet the Extra Care Housing criteria, you will be given advice about your housing options.