Extra Care Housing

In St Helens, Extra Care is the name given to a new form of housing which can offer people the flexibility of living in purpose-built accommodation that is supported by on-site staff working 24 hours a day, providing care and support as and when it's needed.

Extra Care housing allows residents to remain independent. Residents have their own apartment or bungalow with care/support needs tailored to the individual. Properties are designed to offer security, ease of access and include many features which are valued by older people.

What can be expected at an Extra Care scheme?

Extra Care housing offers a range of community facilities, although this will differ from scheme to scheme across St Helens. These can include communal lounges, restaurants, cafes, shops and gyms.

As well as homes for rent, some Extra Care schemes have properties for sale, either outright or on a shared ownership basis.

Who can live in Extra Care housing?

Extra care housing is targeted at people over the age of 55 who have a clear need for care and support services that are provided.

The following criteria must be met:

Age 55+ - will be the initial qualifying criteria, however, someone below this age with for example, a long-term disability, considerable care needs and older carers of adults with disabilities will be considered. Couples are eligible to apply where one or both meet the criteria. 
Care and Support Need - will be an adult with a care and support need who meet the eligibility criteria under the Care Act 2014 or require background support that cannot be provided in a less intensive setting or be an older carer with a dependant who requires care and support. Individuals must agree to a social care assessment to establish any care and support needs. 
Agreement to a financial assessment - where the person has an assessed need, they must agree to be financially assessed to determine if they should contribute towards the support services provided. This is a fundamental feature of extra care housing and those choosing to reside within these settings must agree that it is a non-negotiable aspect of service provision.

If you meet the criteria and wish to be considered for extra care housing, please contact our front door services on 01744 676767 or by email contactcares@sthelens.gov.uk.

Some extra care schemes offer private rent, have properties for sale, either outright or on a shared ownership basis. Please contact the schemes directly for more information: