Evaluation of Extra Care Housing in Wales

Extra care is an important element of efforts to diversify provision and increase choice for older people. Extra care housing is a broad concept rather than a specific housing type. It provides independent living in a home of your own, but with services on hand if they are required. The key attributes for extra care housing can be defined as: being housing rather than an institution; employing appropriate design, plus help and support to 'stay put' and live independently; and, perhaps, on-site intermediate care and rehabilitation services. These attributes can be provided in a range of building types and different tenures. The Welsh Government made dedicated funding available to support the growth of extra care provision between 2009 and 2011. This report presents the findings to emerge from an evaluation of the extra care housing sector in Wales. It presents a comprehensive, independent assessment of the role played by the sector to help inform discussion about the role that extra care should play in delivering the strategic vision on housing for older people in Wales and to inform future investment decisions.