Adult Social Care Glossary, v 0.6

Assisted living (also known as extra-care housing) is a type of ‘housing with care’ which means you retain independence while you're assisted with tasks such as washing, dressing, going to the toilet or taking medication.

You live in a self-contained flat, with your own front door, but staff are usually available up to 24 hours per day to provide personal care and support services. These are tailored to you and can include help with washing, dressing, going to the toilet and taking medication. Domestic help, such as shopping and laundry, and meals may also be provided.

Common features of assisted living accommodation include:

- help from a scheme manager (warden) or a team of support staff
- 24-hour emergency help through an alarm system.
- social activities arranged for the community.
- a minimum age for residents, usually 55 or 60.
- self-contained flats allow you to stay independent.
- communal lounges allowing you to socialise as and when you feel like it.

Some extra-care housing is available to buy or rent privately and some is available from the local council following a care needs assessment, but it isn’t available in every area.

Unlike sheltered housing, assisted living housing is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). They inspect the facilities and provide ratings.