Eligibility, costs and applying for extra care housing
Extra care housing is designed:
- to cater for a variety of older people. While there is a care team on site, not everyone living in the scheme has to have care needs
- so people who need no or very little support now, are safe in the knowledge that if their needs change then the care team will be there to support them.
- to provide emergency care for example if someone becomes ill or needs a bit of extra support following a hospital stay or a fall.
- to provide planned night calls
- for older people, single or couples, normally aged 55+ but this can vary, depending on the development.
- to support many people to live independently – the idea is that it’s a home for life but it cannot replace nursing care or offer 24 hour supervision.
- for a balanced mix of care needs in each scheme so that there will always be people who are more active.
Extra care is not suitable for people who:
- are under the specified age limit
- need constant supervision and cannot be left alone
- cannot ask for help when they need it
- have very complex needs (this is reviewed on a case by case basis)
- could put other tenants at risk (this is reviewed on a case by case basis)
Extra care cannot replace nursing care.
The costs of extra care
- Tenants in extra care pay rent and service charges for their apartment and these vary from scheme to scheme but are affordable and eligible for Housing Benefit.
- People who have a care package will receive a Fairer Charging assessment and, depending on their circumstances, may have to contribute towards their care costs or may have them fully covered by the Local Authority.
- Where there is a community alarm service there may be a charge for people who have pendants or pull cords to use in case of an emergency.
- All costs and charges associated with living in extra care are fully explained when you apply.
Applying for extra care housing
- You can self refer to extra care or referrals can come from social workers, health workers, friends and family.
- Each scheme requires an application form which should be completed and returned to the scheme manager.
- All applicants to extra care should be registered with Manchester Move.
- Applications are discussed at monthly allocations meetings and places are allocated based on individual needs and the availability of care hours.
If you are already registered with Manchester Move find out more about the schemes and how to request an application