Extra Care Housing
As we get older, particularly if we become disabled or infirm, managing our own homes and generally taking care of ourselves often becomes difficult.

Moving into a residential home with 24-hour care is sometimes the best way to overcome these problems, and make life easier. Sadly, such a move can mean loss of personal independence.

Extra Care Housing provided at Silvermead on the edge of Minehead, or at Ingrams Meadow at Watchet - both owned and managed by Magna West Somerset Housing Association, registered providers of domicilliary care with somerset county council - provides help while maintaining independence.

This type of supported accommodation is designed for more vulnerable people, including the frail, elderly, or those with mild learning difficulties, who prefer to live independently but who have difficulty in managing all or some of the activities associated with daily living, such as cooking, laundry, cleaning, bathing or shopping.

• 24-hour specialised support service provided by well-trained staff.
• Personal and domestic help available if needed, at a level appropriate for each resident.
• Optional midday meal provided.
• Company and friendship, and the peace of mind that comes from living in a safe, secure environment.

All of the accommodation is self-contained and residents have a key to their own door. Relatives or guests are welcome to stay from time to time. Ingrams Meadow has a guest bedroom.

Independence is encouraged - but a higher level of support is provided than that given in sheltered housing.

Extra Care Housing schemes
Our Extra Care Housing schemes:

Silvermead, Alcombe, Minehead.
Three two-bedroom bungalows for the disabled, with wheelchair access and seven one-bedroom bungalows, each with its own kitchen, bathroom and sitting room.

There are also nine maisonettes comprising two-bedroom ground floor accommodation with kitchen, sitting room and bathroom. Inside the main block are one-bedroom flatlets complete with sitting room, bathroom and kitchen. There are also a number of bedsits comprising a kitchen and bathroom.

Ingrams Meadow, Liddymore Road, Watchet.
Nine two-bedroom bungalows with sitting room, kitchen and bathroom, and two two-bedroom bungalows for the disabled, with adjacent carports, plus 18 one-bedroom flats with sitting room, kitchen and bathroom.

All accommodation is fitted with a pull-cord system to summon emergency help.

If you would like a copy of our brochure on Silvermead and Ingrams Meadow please contact Barbara Mullan on 01984 635112.

How to apply for an Extra Care Housing Tenancy
You can be referred by their health visitors, or by social services. Tenants can also apply directly to us.

Allocation is not based purely on housing need (as it would be with any other tenancy application) but takes into account the need for care and support.

Applicants need to be registered on the West Somerset District Council Common Register and/or the Magna West Somerset Register.

Applications are always followed by an assessment completed by the Care Manager and a social worker. We will offer you a flat in this type of specialist accommodation if we think you will benefit from it.

Cost
Rent for typical one-bedroom accommodation at Silvermead or Ingrams Meadow is currently around £90 per week. You may qualify for benefits that will assist with rent payments.

More information
Contact Housing Services at:
Magna West Somerset
St Peter's House
Williton
Tel: 01984 635100

Last updated 21.02.06