To enable people to remain as independent as possible in later life, we work in partnership with district and borough councils, housing providers and care companies to deliver Extra Care housing. Extra Care housing provides purpose-built apartments with on-site facilities, the reassurance of a care team 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and the benefit of being located within local communities. We encourage access to the schemes for local community groups and support residents to engage with external activities. The schemes are an alternative to residential care and for many people will be a home for life.
We have invested in a dedicated Extra Care lead and a team of operational staff who lead on assessing, reviewing and supporting people living in Extra Care.
To find out more about the Extra Care housing services contact our Adults’ CarePoint on 01243 642121 or via our online ‘contact us’ form on the County Council website under ‘How to get adult social care support’. You can also use Relay UK on 18001 01243 642121 (from a textphone or the NGT Lite app downloaded onto a computer, tablet or smartphone). socialcare@westsussex.gov.uk. You can also use Relay UK on 18001 01243 642121 (from a textphone or the NGT Lite app downloaded onto a computer, tablet or smartphone).
Looking ahead and what’s happening now
- Extra Care housing has primarily been aimed at people aged over 55 years, but the offer is now expanding to include all adults with care needs regardless of age.
- Avila Housing in Worthing opened in 2023 providing 20 one-bedroom flats for adults who are 18 years and over with lifelong conditions and mental health and physical health needs.
- Two new Extra Care housing services opened in East Grinstead and Eastergate in 2023 providing an additional 108 units.
- We are working with the market to secure further developments of extra care.