THE ESSENCE PROJECT

ESSENCE CASE STUDY Integrated housing with care and support for older people: economic evidence

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Key Points

KEY POINTS

  • Extra care housing is diverse. Key elements include self-contained accommodation, 24-hour accessible on-site care and support, some collective meal provision and a range of leisure and communal facilities on site.
  • There is evidence to suggest that extra-care housing can be cost-effective.
  • However, research has focused on comparison with the cost of living in a residential care home, which may not always be the relevant comparator. More research is required to examine the cohort of people in extra-care housing schemes to establish how their needs would otherwise be met.
  • Most of the research evidence to date derives from schemes in England where government funding has promoted greater development of extra care. People are motivated to use extra care housing for physical and emotional security, availability of support and an accessible environment, and social contact.
  • People living in extra care housing value the opportunities for friendship and social interaction. Carers value that it enables them to carry on leading an active life and enhances their relationship with their spouse.
  • There is evidence that extra care housing produces health benefits and increases life expectancy. It also reduces needs for care and use of health and social care resources, which can reduce costs and generate economic value.
  • The government should look at innovative ways to make sure that health, housing and social care sectors work together and support each other in planning and funding of extra care housing schemes.

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Social Care Research