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Extra Care Housing and nursing homes

If you need specialist or nursing care, moving to a care home may be the best option.  Different homes provide various levels of care – so you will need to check what they do before you move in.

For more information on current care home vacancies you will need to contact Oxfordshire County Council or call them on 01865 792422.

Extra Care Housing

Extra Care Housing (sometimes called assisted living) is a type of housing designed for older people and adults with care and support needs. It combines independent living with access to flexible, on-site care and support services.

What is Extra Care Housing?

Extra Care Housing offers self-contained homes (usually flats or apartments) within a purpose-built scheme. Residents have their own front door and can live independently, while also benefiting from communal facilities and on-site support.

Features typically include:

  • Your own home with a kitchen, bathroom, and living space
  • 24-hour access to care and support (if needed)
  • Communal areas such as lounges, gardens, and dining spaces
  • Opportunities for social activities and community engagement
  • Enhanced security and peace of mind

Who is it for?

Extra Care Housing is typically suitable for:

  • People aged 55+ (or as defined by the scheme)
  • Individuals who want to maintain independence but may need care now or in the future
  • People with physical disabilities or long-term health conditions
  • Couples with differing care needs

Affordable Extra Care Housing

Affordable Extra Care Housing is available through Social or Affordable rent, and in some cases Shared Ownership. Allocation is usually managed through local housing registers and assessed based on housing and care needs.

If you are interested in applying, you will need to:

Care and Support

Care is tailored to individual needs and can include help with daily activities such as personal care, medication, and preparing meals. Support can be increased or reduced over time, helping people remain in their home as their needs change.

Care is usually arranged and commissioned by the county council’s adult social care services.

Benefits of Extra Care Housing

Extra Care Housing offers a balance between independence and support, helping people maintain their quality of life while having access to care when needed.

Benefits can include:

  • Maintaining your independence – Live in your own home and make your own choices about how you live day to day.
  • Flexible care and support – Receive the support you need, when you need it, with care that can change as your circumstances change.
  • A safe and secure environment – Purpose-built accommodation designed to support independent living.
  • Reducing loneliness and isolation – Opportunities to socialise, take part in activities and become part of a community.
  • Staying connected – Family and friends can visit as they would in any other home, helping you maintain important relationships.
  • Support for couples – Couples can continue living together even if one person has care or support needs.
  • Future-proofed living – Access to care and support within the scheme can help residents remain in their home for longer as their needs change.

How to Apply in Oxfordshire

In Oxfordshire, Extra Care Housing involves both housing and care assessments. You may need to apply through both the district council and Oxfordshire County Council.

To be considered, you must complete an extra care application provided by the landlord or care provider of each scheme. 

Find out more about Extra Care Housing in Oxfordshire and care and support assessments.

If you would like further information about Affordable Extra Care Housing schemes in the district, or need help applying, our Housing team can talk you through the process in more detail to help you consider the best options.

Contact us - Housing lettings

01235 422436
(Text phone users add 18001 before dialling)

housing@southandvale.gov.uk

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