Care and support housing options: an introduction

If getting care and support in your current home is not the best option for you, there are different options for getting care and support in another setting. The type of home you can move to will depend on your age and the type of care you need.

Below, we've explained some of the options and what they involve. Click the links in each section to find out more about that option.

You can also read the NHS guidance on housing options for older or disabled people.

Supported living

Supported living involves living on your own, or sometimes with other people, and getting support to live independently. Properties are adapted and you will have a support and care plan. The amount of support you get will be different depending on your circumstances. It can include things like full time care or just a few hours of support a day.

You can find a list of supported living resources on our directory. You can also read more about West Berkshire Council's Shared Lives Scheme which offers support for adults with care needs in a home environment.

Care or nursing homes

If you need a lot of support, and need care during the night, then moving into a care home may be the best option for you. You can find out more on our care homes page. Alternatively, Age UK have lots of useful information about care homes.

You can have a look at the independent Icon for pdf Berkshire Care Directory [3MB] to find out more about what's available in our area.

Before you take this life-changing step, you should seek good, independent advice about how to pay for your future care.

Options for older people

Sheltered housing

Sheltered housing gives older people the independence of having their own flat with the security of having an alarm system and a manager on call that can respond in an emergency. Sheltered housing doesn't offer full time on-site care. It is usually available to people aged 55 or over.

The flats are usually small self‐contained units or single rooms in a complex, often with a communal social area. The sheltered housing staff should check on you every day and be able to assist you in an emergency. However, they would not be expected to provide care or do things such as shopping.

To apply for sheltered housing provided by a housing association, you will need to join the housing register. Sheltered properties become available to bid on every week. If you need help or advice, contact the Housing Allocations Team.

It is also possible to find sheltered housing to privately rent or buy. You can find out more about privately renting or buying sheltered housing on the Age UK website.

Extra care housing

If you're over 55 and have a social care need, extra care housing provides individual, self-contained accommodation with care and support on-site. The level of care you can get is usually higher than the support you can get in sheltered housing.

Find out more information and about local schemes on our extra care housing page.

Older Persons Shared Ownership (OPSO) scheme

If you're aged 55 or over, you may be able to benefit from the Older Persons Shared Ownership (OPSO) scheme. You can buy up to a 75% share of a home. Once you own 75%, you will not pay rent on the rest.

Find organisations that sell shared ownership homes under the OPSO scheme on GOV.UK.

Housing Options for Older People (HOOP)

The Elderly Accommodation Counsel works with HOOP to advise people struggling to make the right housing choices in later life. You can use the HOOP online tool, which offers suggestions for dealing with those difficult decisions. You can also speak with an advisor.

Options for disabled people

If you have a long-term disability and other scheme properties do not meet your needs, you can apply for the government's Home Ownership for people with a Long-term Disability (HOLD) scheme.

Find organisations that sell shared ownership homes under the HOLD scheme on GOV.UK.

Adapting your home

If your current accommodation does not meet your needs, adaptations within your home may help. You can contact the Home Improvement Agency for information about adaptation services, including Disabled Facilities Grants.

See our technology and equipment to help you at home page.

Moving into West Berkshire

If you're planning to move into West Berkshire, and already have care needs, contact the Local Authority where you're moving from as a first step. If you've already been referred to West Berkshire Council to look at options for your accommodation, get in touch with us to discuss further.