Extra Care Housing Proposals

A proposal to build a special housing scheme to enable up to 100 older people to live independently in the community received the backing of Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet on Thursday (September 25).

Extra Care Housing gives real choice for older people, promoting independent living and allowing residents to retain a home of their own while offering the necessary care and support.

Cllr Olwyn Barnett, Cabinet Member Social Care, said: “Extra Care housing allows people to retain their independents in a caring and supportive environment and this proposal would provide for vastly improved opportunities for older people in Herefordshire.

“We have identified a real need to drive forward the development of Extra Care housing and we are willing to make the tough decisions to deliver what the community says it wants and needs.

“A facility such as this affords the desired quality of life for residents and helps to alleviate the growing pressure on nursing homes where places are needed for people requiring much higher levels of care.

”I would also like to see some elements of this scheme available to people in rural villages.”

Richard Gabb, Herefordshire Council’s Head of Strategic Housing Services, said: “Herefordshire has an increasingly older population and we need to find imaginative ways to respond to the demands this is placing on health and care resources whilst giving older people the opportunity to choose the housing that is right for them.”

An Age Concern survey of over 55’s confirmed that over 93% wished to maintain a degree of independence.

Herefordshire Council owns the site currently occupied by Unity Gardens and leased it to them for a fixed two year rent-free period with the clear understanding the Council would be require them to move at the end of the lease.

Cllr Barnett added: “We will continue to work with Unity Gardens to enable them to carry on their valuable work at another location.”

Landscaping and gardens are a feature of the proposed development and the community will be encouraged to become involved with the residents of Extra Care.

The area off Ledbury Road is an ideal site for Extra Care housing because of its central location and proximity to local services.

The dwellings would offer security and independence to residents, with 24-hour care and support on site together with a range of facilities to allow people to socialise, keep fit and pursue hobbies.

The site is in a designated residential housing area and a development would be subject to planning approval.