Support when you can't stay in your own home
If you want to live independently but can't stay in your own home, you may need support. It may be because of declining health, a change in circumstances, or that friends, family and social services can no longer respond to your needs.
Your local Social Services can help
Your local social services department can tell you about services such as supported or sheltered housing, extra care housing and residential care.
Sheltered housing
Sheltered housing properties are generally built for older people and/or people with disabilities. The accommodation is usually self-contained flats or bungalows. They often have an alarm-call system and a warden who visits regularly or lives on the premises.
Sheltered housing that offers a greater level of care - known as 'extra care sheltered housing' or 'very sheltered housing' - is also available. It can be ideal for people who are less able to manage on their own, but who do not need the level of care available in a care home.
Care homes
If you need a level of support that cannot be provided in your own home, then a care home may be the answer. There are different types of care homes. Some offer no nursing care, some have full-time nursing care, while others support people with a specific disability or medical need.
Extra care housing
Extra care housing provides independence and choice by providing older, frailer people with their own property. Care and support are delivered to meet your individual needs. Extra care housing provides 24-hour support, meals, domestic help, leisure and recreational facilities and a genuinely safe environment. Older people in extra care housing have their own self-contained flats and are tenants with their own tenancy agreement.
Extra care housing can be for rent or for sale, usually through leasehold arrangement.
Help with moving house
Your local authority may be able to help you move home. There are also companies who will help you pack and move your possessions and to arrange for items or furniture you no longer need to be sold.
If you are on a low income and get Pension Credit, you may be able to apply to the Social Fund for a Community Care Grant to help with removal costs.
Further help from charities and not-for-profit organisations
National and local charities and other not-for-profit organisations can be a useful source of help, advice and support for older people and their carers. They can also help you to continue living independently in your own home.
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