Retirement Housing

There are different types of retirement housing available in Kent to suit people’s different needs.

Supported

Supported housing enables people to live independently in their own self-contained home with the reassurance of knowing that assistance is on hand if needed. It is also known as sheltered or retirement housing. Support staff give on-site help, if needed. There is usually an alarm system for emergencies, and many will have communal facilities, such as a lounge, kitchen, laundry room, and garden. AgeUK provide more information about sheltered housing.

Assisted Living/Extra care Housing

Extra care housing otherwise known as assisted living offers higher levels of care and support than supported housing. It is self-contained housing with support services and facilities which vary between schemes but may include care and support (sometimes for up to 24 hours), an alarm system, some personal care, domestic help, a restaurant or dining room, lounge, shops, and recreational facilities.  AgeUK provide more information about assisted living and extra care housing.

Care homes

Care homes provide the highest level of on-site care and support.

Care homes for personal care are often called residential care homes. They offer a room (possibly with an ensuite bathroom), meals, help with personal care and supervision, and a communal lounge. There is usually someone on call at night.

Care homes providing nursing care are often called nursing homes. They offer personal and nursing care 24 hours a day for people who are bedridden, very frail or have a medical condition that requires a nurse to be on site.