Nursing and care homes
Residential care homes give care and support with things like dressing, washing and at mealtimes.
Nursing care homes give the same support as a residential home, but with nursing staff on hand 24 hours a day.
Get equipment to help at home
If you're struggling to carry out daily tasks there may be equipment available to help you do things safely and independently.
Extra care housing
If your independence and privacy are important to you, but you need some extra help, extra care housing could be for you. It gives you more support than sheltered housing but more independence than a care home.
You have your own front door and the security of renting or owning your own home, and care and support staff available 24 hours a day if you need them.
Extra care housing properties vary but they all have communal areas where you can meet and enjoy activities with other residents, and extra services on site. There's a choice of properties including flats and bungalows.
Sheltered housing
If you find living in your own home difficult but you enjoy your independence and need a little bit of support then sheltered housing may be right for you.
You have your own front door, and the peace of mind that comes from being in a safe and supportive community with people of a similar age, plus a 24 hour alarm service should you need help in an emergency.
Some sheltered housing properties are part of a large complex with a communal area where you can meet and enjoy activities with other residents. Others are built in blocks of two or three flats and some are semi-detached bungalows.
Who can get sheltered housing
Sheltered housing schemes are run by different housing associations and each of these have different conditions that have to be met.
Housing is usually available to anyone aged over 50, but some housing associations set a higher age limit and others offer sheltered housing to people under 50 with a disability or a serious health complaint.
Support available in sheltered housing
The type and level of support you get will depend on your needs but can include:
- help to manage your bills
- opportunities to join in with your local community
- help to stay active, healthy and safe
All sheltered housing in Plymouth has a 24 hour emergency alarm service.
Paying for sheltered housing
Sheltered housing costs fall into three areas:
- the cost of buying or renting your home
- any service charges for maintenance and any communal facilities
- your support costs, such as cleaning or laundry
If you're on a low income, you might be able to get Council Tax Support and Housing Benefit to pay towards some of the costs.
Living with a carer (Shared Lives)
If you need care or support to live independently shared lives could be right for you. You get support living with a carer in their family home, rather than going into a care home or having a carer. It can also be a step towards living more independently.
You can join shared lives for somewhere to:
- live long term
- stay for a short break
- go for one or more days a week
- go for day time support