Extra Care Review 2015

Healthwatch Lambeth reviewed all five extra care housing schemes in the borough between 2014 and 2015 to assess whether they helped residents maintain independence, stay safe and avoid social isolation. The review gathered views from 52 residents, 16 family members, 22 care staff and a range of providers and commissioners. Overall, the schemes were found to provide a good standard of personal care and safe accommodation, with most residents satisfied with the support they received. However, there were concerns about inconsistent continuity of care, limited time for carers to build relationships with residents and delays in reassessing care plans when needs changed.

Residents generally reported feeling safe and appreciated having their own accommodation and choice over aspects of daily life. Many valued being able to decide when to spend time in communal areas, participate in activities or remain in their flats. However, some residents felt they had little influence over services and several reported frustration with delays in care, repairs or support. Concerns were also raised about access to some health services, particularly community dentistry, and about the complexity of resolving problems where landlords and care providers had separate responsibilities. 

The strongest theme across the review was social isolation. Although activities were available at all schemes, many residents described feeling lonely and lacking meaningful friendships. Participation in activities was often low, particularly among people with dementia, mobility issues or low confidence. Healthwatch found that communal areas were often underused, community links were limited and many residents rarely left their schemes. Staff, activity coordinators and residents all highlighted barriers including limited transport, insufficient support to accompany residents, and a lack of opportunities for one-to-one engagement. 

Healthwatch concluded that while extra care housing was largely successful in providing safe accommodation and support, it was less effective at tackling loneliness and building community connections. Recommendations included making communal spaces more welcoming, ensuring schemes are dementia-friendly, giving carers more time to support residents’ wellbeing, improving access to activities and transport, expanding volunteer and befriending programmes, strengthening resident involvement and increasing collaboration between providers. The report argued that promoting social interaction and community life should be given equal priority to meeting residents’ physical care needs if extra care housing is to deliver a genuinely good quality of life.