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 might need support. This might be due to declining health, a change in circumstances, or that friends, family and social services can no longer give the support you need.

Contacting social services for 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 is for older people or people with disabilities. The accommodation is usually self-contained flats or bungalows. This housing has 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. This housing is suitable for people less able to manage on their own, but don't need the level of care given in a care home.

Care homes

If you need support and help that cannot be given in your own home, a care home might be suitable. There are different types of care homes. Some homes don't give 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 given to meet your individual needs. Extra care housing provides 24-hour support, meals, domestic help, leisure and recreational facilities and a safe environment. Older people in extra care housing are tenants with a tenancy agreement and live in a self-contained flat.

You can rent or buy extra care housing, usually through leasehold arrangement.

Charities and not-for-profit organisations

National and local charities and other not-for-profit organisations can give help, advice and support to older people and their carers. They can also help you to continue living independently in your own home.

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