Amy Swan - Policy Officer, National Housing Federation Health and wellbeing in extra care housing

Setting the context By 2009, all local authorities will only be able to support older people with high level needs 2.8 million older people in England have care needs. This will increase to 4.5million in in 3 people who dies aged 65 or over have dementia. Living longer, but not dying quicker.

Making the case for health ageing (Help the Aged) Physical and mental activity Combating social isolation Falls prevention Vision and hearing Podiatry Medicines Nutrition Dental health and regular health checks Health screening and social marketing

What does extra-care offer? Beyond simply being a model for delivering independent living with flexibly delivered care and support Events and activities such as physical activity – tries to ensure ongoing involvement in the community and opportunities for a full and active social life Falls prevention through well-designed housing Social marketing and access to information and drop-in events Access to personal GP and dental health on site or close at hand The ability to act as a hub for services, events, advice and information for the residents and the local community. Embodies the ethos of the one-stop shop for services and advice

Living Longer with dementia – First Wessex Emily Gregg was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s She began to struggle living on her own. Emily didn’t have much confidence and often couldn’t remember how to get back to her flat if she went too far. Emily moved to Rowan Court, a specialist extra care dementia scheme in Hampshire owned by First Wessex. Residents are assisted to live as independently as possible but are encouraged to join in with the various activities, which are designed to keep residents mentally active for as long as possible. They are safe from callers and protected from wandering too far from home. Emily is much happier at Rowans Court, and joins in with so much more than she did even before she had Alzheimer’s. Her daughter is certain that this has contributed to the length of time her mother has lived independently with Alzheimer’s

Promoting health and well-being - Hanover The lower ground floor of New Larchwood serves residents as well as the local community with a range of communal facilities including a shop, health centre, entertainment centre, cafe and guestrooms with en-suit facilities for visitors who may want to stay over. A package of 24-hour on-site care and support is provided for those who need it. The project was jointly commissioned by Brighton an Hove City Council and Brighton and Hove Primary Care Trust, and delivered by Hanover Housing Association. The scheme was designed by Patrick Manwell of Archadia Charted Architects.

Social Life – Sarsen Housing Association Ken Goodman, 80, moved in to Meadow Court, after nearly one year in hospital and another few months recuperating from a serious illness and hasn’t looked back. With care and support on hand when he needs it, Ken is enjoying his independence in Meadow Court’s peaceful rural setting. Residents live as normal in their own home but have care and support when they need it, such as personal care, help with domestic tasks and providing meals. There are facilities to share, including a lounge/dining area, hobbies room, laundry room and maintained gardens. Since the first residents moved in to Meadow Court at the start of the year, it’s already become the hub of a thriving community. Ninety-three-year-old Mike Weindling said: “We have a lovely mix of people here of all ages and from all walks of life. We get on well together and share the same goal of making Meadow Court a wonderful place to live in.”

A personalised service – Octavia Housing Care at the scheme will be delivered using the following principles: flexible enough to respond to changing needs and any ‘health crisis’ a service user is likely to have. provided by a dedicated staff group, who can build meaningful relationships with residents, and provide a consistent service. focused on promoting the independence of the individual and building on their abilities. providing for the service users’ cultural, religious and dietary needs and taking account of the residents’ past lifestyles in its provision. encouraging the use of community facilities and local amenities, ensuring the scheme does not operate in isolation from the local community.

Continued … co-ordinated with other professionals to ensure as seamless a service as possible and that care staff are fully aware of the needs of the resident. provided at all times in a way that maintains the privacy of the resident and any information held on them. Staff will be able to help with administering medication as prescribed by a medical practitioner recording information as required. Each resident will be give information in a way that they can understand (as well as in writing), on the care they will receive, also with any timings that have been agreed, and the information on who to contact should they be unhappy with any aspect of this.

Conclusion What more can be done to promote health and well- being? Is there a role for extra care schemes to serve the health needs of the wider community? Is their a need to better illustrate the health benefits to commissioners? Should an extra care scheme focus only on critical to substantial needs? Should an extra care scheme work with the community or aim to develop its own community?