South Somerset Homes extends extra care to older people
6 January 2004

South Somerset Homes has in the last year converted six of their sheltered housing schemes to that of extra care housing. Extra care housing differs from sheltered housing in that residents benefit from 24-hour staff cover, a dedicated care team providing individual assessed care packages, as well as a higher level of facilities for the disabled.

It is most suitable for frail older residents who wish to continue to live independently with the help of care staff as appropriate. This enables the majority of residents to remain living within the scheme and removes the need for some people to move to residential care homes.

Residents have their own self-contained flat with a bedroom, living room, kitchen and bathroom. Many residents have access to a range of communal facilities including a lounge, laundry and guest bedroom.

The success of South Somerset Homes' four original extra care housing schemes was recognised in a joint review commissioned by Somerset County Council and their model is now used as the basis for a countywide extra care housing specification.

Geoff Atkinson, Chief Executive at South Somerset Homes said “We believe that, properly managed extra care housing, linked to effective joint strategies between housing, health and social services, can provide a housing alternative to residential care.”

Following the successful conversion of six sheltered schemes into extra care housing schemes, South Somerset Homes will, in conjunction with Social Services, monitor and review the effectiveness of the ten extra care schemes which they operate. In addition they will continue to work with Social Services to consider the further development of extra care housing across South Somerset where a need is identified.

Extra care schemes are currently located at Park Lodge in Yeovil, Pearson House in Yeovil, Bearley House in Martock, Laburnum Drive in Somerton, Common Road in Wincanton, Malmesbury Court in Yeovil, Muchelney House in Ilminster, St Gildas in Chard, Bowhayes in Crewkerne, Snowdon House in Chard.

PEARSON HOUSE, YEOVIL CASE STUDY

Rose Buckley, who is 88 years old, has been living at Pearson House Extra Care Scheme in Yeovil for eleven months and thinks it is an absolutely marvellous place. “I couldn't ask for anything better, the care I receive is wonderful, the South Somerset Homes' staff and the staff from Somerset Care are all fantastic, they help me with my housework, washing, shopping and personal care; nothing is too much trouble for them.”

From left to right: Rose Buckley (resident), Dot Mounter (carer), Kate Hillier (Extra Care Scheme Manager)

BEARLEY HOUSE, MARTOCK CASE STUDY

Nancy Keyes, who is 92 years of age, has lived at Bearley House Extra Care Scheme for over 5 years and she is very happy with the help she receives at the extra care scheme. “I am happy knowing that there is always someone there in an emergency; I feel very safe here.”

From right to left: Nancy Keyes (resident), Brenda Gregory (Extra Care Scheme Manager)

COMMON ROAD, WINCANTON CASE STUDY

Violet Lovell, who is 91 years old, has lived at the Common Road Extra Care Scheme for nearly 30 years, since it was first built and she loves living there. “I think it's wonderful here, it has never been so good. We have a great social life now and the care is excellent.”

From left to right: Pam Smith (resident), Violet Lovell (resident), Julie White (Extra Care Scheme Manager), Coisey Hughes (resident)

MUCHELNEY HOUSE, ILMINSTER CASE STUDY

Bob and Kate Spry have been married for 58 years and have lived at Muchelney House Extra Care Scheme for over 2 years. Kate, who is 82 years old, thinks the place is first class. “We are very pleased with the scheme and the atmosphere is brilliant.” Bob, who is 80 years old, thinks they are very lucky to be there. “It was the best move we made in our lives.”

From left to right: Andrea Green (Extra Care Scheme Manager), Margaret Treacher (Carer), Bob Spry (resident), Rosemarie Hendrick (Assistant Extra Care Manager), Kate Spry (resident).