Extra care housing
- What is Extra Care Housing?
- Extra Care Housing Schemes in Barnet
- Who can apply for Extra Care Housing?
- How much does Extra Care Housing cost?
- Can I afford Extra Care Housing?
- How do I apply?
- Where to go for more information
Extra Care Housing offers a new way of supporting you to live independently for as long as you can. It gives you the security and privacy of a home of your own, a range of facilities on the premises, with 24 hour care and support services on hand.
You may be thinking of moving or having to leave your old home because of life changes or health problems which mean it is difficult to remain where you are. If you value your independence and privacy and want control and choice in your life, think about Extra Care Housing.
Extra Care Housing is different because:
- You are living at home - not in a home
- You have your own front door - you decide who comes in
- Couples can stay together
- There is a mix of able and less able people
- 24 hour care services are available
- You get support to keep your independence
- You can join in social activities - or you can be private
- You have control over your finances
- You have security - the aim is a home for life for most people
Extra Care Housing Schemes in Barnet
Barnet Council, working closely with Barnet Primary Care Trust has commissioned two Extra Care Housing schemes that are currently being built by Sanctuary Housing Association and Catalyst Communities Housing Association.
There will be a total of 102 flats, mainly for rent but also a small number for sale. The flats for rent will be targeted principally at older people on low or moderate incomes. The leasehold flats for sale are for those who wish to use the value of their home to secure the care they need in older age, whilst ensuring some equity is handed down to their children.
- Wood Court
(PDF:82KB) is in Burnt Oak. It comprises of 39, 2-person 1-bedroom flats for rent - Goodwin Court is in East Barnet. It comprises of 48 2-person 1-bedroom and four 2-bedroom flats for rent, and nine 2-bedroom flats and two 1-bedroom flats for sale
- Each flat has its own front door, bedroom(s), lounge, kitchen, shower room with level access shower, wash basin and toilet.
- All properties are wheelchair adapted
- Communal facilities include lounge, dining area, kitchen facilities, laundry, assisted bathrooms, hairdressing/treatment room, staff offices etc
- Residents will be able to purchase freshly prepared meals from a café style facility, or may prefer to prepare meals in their own flats. All dietary needs will be catered for.
Who can apply for Extra Care Housing?
The extra care schemes for rent are suitable if you:
- Are aged 60 or over
- Are disabled with assessed care needs and a lifestyle suited to living in a community of older people.
- Need a minimum of four hours care and support as assessed by Adult Social Services.
- Are currently resident in the area or able to demonstrate a very strong local connection.
If you are interested in the apartments for sale on a leasehold basis at Goodwin Court the above criteria do not apply and you should contact the selling agent direct at The Property Studio on 020 8441 3030.
How much does Extra Care Housing cost?
There are a range of costs that apply to Extra Care Housing. The amount someone pays depends on their individual situation and income. You may have to pay all the costs or you may be entitled to benefits to meet all or some costs.
Renting - an ‘affordable rent’ under a tenancy agreement with a housing association. You will be informed of the rent by the housing provider and the arrangements for making payment.
There are service charges associated with the home, for items such as any communal facilities, lift maintenance etc. If you already live in a flat you will be familiar with such charges.
Help can be given with the rent and service charge through the Housing Benefit system, however, the cost of heating, lighting and water in an individual flat, plus the council tax will always be paid by the tenant.
The housing related (Supporting People) support costs (for example, assistance with managing the home, advice on benefits, form filling etc). This service is provided free of charge to people who receive housing benefit. If you do not qualify for housing benefit, you can apply for an assessment which may lead to a reduction under Barnet’s Fairer Charging Policy (PDF 777KB)
Personal care (personal needs such as getting up, washing, dressing etc). Some tenants will pay for all of their care, while others may make a contribution or may not be charged at all. You will have a full care assessment from your social worker and the services that you need will be shown in your care plan. The Extra Care Scheme makes sure there are care staff available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Because of this the charges are based on a fixed weekly charge plus a charge for the care you need and which is shown in your care plan. The actual contribution you make towards the cost will be worked out by the Financial Assessment and Income team.
We want to ensure that everyone moving into Extra Care Housing has appropriate advice and assistance so that they can maximise their income, and receive all entitlements, such as attendance allowance or Pension Credit. Please speak to your social worker or support worker for further advice.
Can I afford Extra Care Housing?
You can pay rent under a tenancy agreement or you may be in a position to buy one of the leasehold flats at Goodwin Court.
Depending on your income, you may qualify for housing benefit for your rent. If you get housing benefit or income support you may also be entitled to free care and support services. You may qualify for benefits to meet all or part of your costs. If you wish to pursue an application for Extra Care Housing then your social worker or staff from the schemes will be able to advise you.
If you think that you might need Extra Care Housing, we will arrange for you to be assessed. We can then advise you whether Extra Care Housing is appropriate for you. It is usually only considered when other options have been tried to enable you to continue living in your own home. A panel of social care and housing representatives makes the decision about whether you are accepted for Extra Care Housing.
What to do next
You can contact the people below for more information or alternatively complete and return the Expression of Interest form (PDF: 74KB)
Where to go for more information
You can contact:
- Older Adults Duty Team
Phone 0208 359 2440
Email olderadults.dutyteam@barnet.gov.uk
- For Wood Court:
Mike Kent
Senior Support and Care co-ordinator
StepForward Support and Care team office
Lingham Court, 10 LIngham Street
Stockwell SW19 9HF
Phone 020 7737 5577
Email: mken@mht.co.uk
- For Goodwin Court:
Sue Clark
Sanctuary Care
St Mary’s Lodge
St Mary’s Street
Ely CB7 4EY
Phone 01353 650856
Email Sue.Clark@HerewardHousing.org.uk
You can also download a copy of the Extra Care Housing Booklet (PDF: 464KB)
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