Adult Social Care Glossary, v 0.6

These services cover many different arrangements. Usually, they consist of purpose built accommodation in which varying amounts of care and support can be offered, and where some services and facilities are shared.

The care that people receive is regulated by the Care Quality Commission, but the accommodation is not.

Extra care housing is housing designed with the needs of frailer older people in mind; varying levels of care and support are available on site.

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.

A block of self-contained flats with a population generally above 55 years old. The building has care staff and housing management staff. Care is provided to the residents in their property.

Similar to sheltered housing, but with additional care and support available for people with illnesses or disabilities who wish to have a home of their own. Extra-care housing may be an option if living alone at home is difficult, but you do not wish to opt for residential care. It allows you to have your own home, either rented or bought, with personal care and domestic help readily available.

Extra care, supported living, assisted living, care home, nursing home, residential care, sheltered housing - multiple terms which may or may not mean similar things. (Stakeholders)