Housing with care

Housing with care

Housing with care is sometimes known as extra care, flexible living or assisted living

Extra care housing offers innovative ways 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 and access to 24-hour care and support services, if needed.

Sheltered Housing is similar to extra housing but instead of offering higher levels of care and support, low level support is provided by wardens instead.

There are many schemes across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, usually run by housing associations, and all are home to a mix of residents needing varying levels of support. With extra care you stay in control of your own future, retaining dignity, security and choice.

Extra care housing is different because:


  • You are living "in your own home" and not in a home;
  • Private accommodation is available for rent, shared ownership or sale;
  • You have your own front door so you control who comes in and when;
  • Couples and friends can stay together;
  • There is a mix of able and less able people to reflect a true community;
  • 24-hour care and support services are available on site;
  • You get support to keep your independence;
  • You can join in social activities or you can be private;
  • You have control over your finances and support if you need it to manage them; and
  • You have security as the aim is a home for life.

Each extra care housing scheme will have a range of facilities on site, such as a shop; hair and beauty salon, café / restaurant, lounge, hobbies room, and library. Local people are encouraged to make use of the facilities, making the scheme an integral part of local life.

The level of care provided can be increased or decreased to match your needs as they change and staff can be with you immediately if you have an urgent need for assistance. Also, because they are permanently based in the building, staff are able to get to know you well and can monitor your day-to-day wellbeing.

Finding an extra care housing scheme?

You can find out where there are extra care housing schemes in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent by either:

How do I apply for extra Care housing?

If you are interested in a particular Extra Care Housing scheme and you are funding your own care and support, you should contact the scheme directly and they can advise you on how to apply and arrange a visit.

If you are eligible to receive financial support from the local authority, your social care contact will help you to work out how much you may need to pay and how you go about applying for extra care housing.