Housing with care in Warwickshire (HwC)
In Warwickshire, our HwC portfolio encompasses Extra Care Housing (ECH) and Specialised Supported Housing (SSH).
HwC has emerged in the last 10 to 15 years as a viable option for people with an immediate or anticipated need for care and support and a wish to remain in a home of their own. This may, for example, be an older person for whom living in their own house or bungalow may present unmanageable risks to their health, wellbeing and safety, or an adult with disabilities who seeks independent but supported accommodation.
HwC is specialised housing with onsite care and support. This integrated approach ensures residents can access the necessary care and support to meet both their current and future needs, empowering them to maintain or achieve their personal goals for independence.
ECH schemes offer a range of accommodation, with single individuals and couples residing in one and two-bedroom flats. While people as young as 55 can apply, currently the majority of people living in the schemes are in their 70s. We aim for a community with a range of care needs, with proportions of low, medium and high levels of support.
SSH caters to diverse needs, from learning disabilities to complex physical care. The age range is 18 to 64, with a focus on providing flexible on-site support.
The HwC provision combines both a Housing and Care offer and is part of the wider Accommodation Based Support services available to our communities alongside more traditional forms of accommodated support such as Residential Care Homes.
For the under 65 customer cohort HwC schemes can provide a core operating model of care and support. This has some of the associated benefits offered by residential care, such as meeting fluctuating care need, but within a home of their own in the community and with lower care and support costs.
What makes a HwC scheme
Quality of care
A good scheme provides high-quality care services that are person-centred and meet the individual needs and preferences of residents.
Accessibility
Schemes need to provide an accessible environment for all our customers including complying as a minimum, M4(2) Building Regulations. Person centred designs following the HAPPI principles for ECH and Buildng the Right Support guidelines for more specialist schemes. For more details, our care commissioners can supply building specifications for the required developments.
Technology
The infrastructure of a scheme should seek to maximise technology that enables the customers to live as independently as they are able.
Staffing
A sufficient number of skilled and compassionate staff is crucial to provide timely and effective care.
Social engagement
Promoting an active and engaged community through organised activities and opportunities for social interaction.
Flexibility
The scheme should adapt to residents’ changing needs and offer a range of care and support options.
Community integration
Encouraging connections with the broader community to combat social isolation. A good HwC scheme aims to enhance the quality of life for its residents, offering a supportive and enabling environment for them to age with dignity and independence.
A good HwC scheme aims to enhance the quality of life for its residents, offering a supportive and enabling environment for them to age with dignity and independence.