Extra Care Review 2016

Healthwatch Lambeth revisited the borough’s extra care housing schemes in 2016, one year after its earlier review found that many residents felt lonely and disconnected despite generally good standards of care. The follow-up work included a tea and chat event for residents and older people, discussions about what helps people feel connected, and a creative project in which residents co-produced a song about loneliness, friendship and community life. The work aimed to understand whether efforts to increase social opportunities, including activity grants provided by Lambeth Council, were making a difference. 

Residents highlighted the importance of family, friends, neighbours and staff in helping them feel connected. Regular visits, shared meals, phone contact and opportunities to spend time with others were all seen as important. Participants described a wide range of activities they enjoyed, including gardening, volunteering, bingo, coffee mornings, pottery and lunch clubs. However, some residents reported that they rarely took part in activities and still experienced loneliness. There was strong interest in having more opportunities to get out into the community, particularly through day trips, exercise sessions, entertainment and activities run by external organisations. 

The song-writing project revealed that loneliness and social isolation remained significant issues for some residents. Residents described feeling alone in their flats and finding it difficult to form connections, even within shared accommodation. The workshops also highlighted the importance of support from staff in helping residents participate in activities and build relationships. Volunteers involved in the project observed limited staff involvement during the workshops and noted that some residents became upset when the project ended because they valued the social contact and sense of purpose it had provided. Similar concerns had been identified during Healthwatch’s earlier review. 

Healthwatch concluded that there remained a strong appetite among extra care residents for activities, social interaction and community involvement. The report welcomed new funding to support activity programmes but stressed the need for commissioners and providers to continue monitoring their impact. Key priorities included supporting resident-led activities, offering a wider choice of opportunities, strengthening links with the wider community and ensuring staff play an active role in fostering a welcoming and connected environment that reduces loneliness and isolation.