Housing LIN Factsheet 6

Created on 23.07.2008

This Factsheet is an update to the 2004 Edition, Design Principles for Extra Care, commissioned by the Housing Learning and Improvement Network in the Care Services Improvement Partnership at the Department of Health. It coincides with the announcement of the Department of Health’s Extra Care Housing Fund and the government’s forthcoming 2008 National Strategy for Housing in an Ageing Society.

The thinking, planning and growth in Extra Care Housing have advanced significantly in recent years. The Factsheet is intended to be a helpful and practical tool for commissioners, designers, planners and developers when considering a new Extra Care Housing scheme and to learn from what has worked well.

The information in the Factsheet draws on the expertise of PRP Architects who have considerable experience in this field and have contributed to the development of innovative new housing with care designs that achieve greater independence for older people and vulnerable adults.

The Factsheet signposts to the latest information on Building Regulations and standards, such as the Housing Corporation’s ‘Design and Quality Standards’ and the ‘Wheelchair Housing Design Guide’, and showcases industry-accepted good practice examples. It also provides a series of useful case studies which highlight different building designs, styles and approaches to designing new Extra Care Housing.

There is no guidance about building contracts, procurement or the appointment of consultants in this Factsheet. With the addition of new sections such as interior design, planning and enhanced landscape, we hope that the new edition addresses some of the current issues faced by commissioners and developers of Extra Care.

Clive Parker, Older People Services Director of Saxon Weald Homes, says: “This factsheet provides an excellent framework from which commissioners can use as benchmark to develop local extra care solutions. The range of experience that PRP has, which is displayed within this factsheet, covers a whole spectrum of extra care solutions from retirement villages to tight urban sites , including projects that are currently in development and operation.

Visit the Housing and Learning Improvement in Care Services Improvement Partnership at the Department of Health’s website.

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