What is extra care housing

Extra care housing is for older people with care and support needs who want to be active and independent.

Our one- or two-bedroom extra care housing (ECH) flats are part of complexes with shared outside spaces and shared inside space for communal activities.

Who can live in extra care housing

You need to be at least 55 years old and have care and support needs.

How to get a place

You should first decide if you want to rent, buy or part-buy.

We encourage homeowners or people with savings to buy, or part-buy, although many properties are rented. If you want to buy, or part-buy, you should contact the housing provider directly.

Some properties for shared ownership are also advertised through Home Choice Bristol

To start your application for rental, you should visit the schemes before applying to help you decide which is best for you. Then youll need to contact us using the Care Direct contact and referral form to request an assessment.

You'll then have a care and support assessment by a social care worker to fully understand your needs. If you already receive care and support with Bristol City Council, the assessment may not be necessary.

To be eligible you should have care and support needs of at least five hours a week. 

Once your application is agreed you will be added to the flat nomination list, which is prioritised by the level of your care and support needs. We will write to you confirming the schemes you have applied for.

Care and support are provided by an on-site care provider. People living in extra care accommodation have individual personal alarms linked to the care team.

Flats are self-contained, within a scheme. They have their own front door and are fully accessible and have wet rooms.

You will have the chance to be part of a community and take part in activities and interests. You will be surrounded by friends and neighbours as well as extra care housing staff.

The schemes often have amenities such as a restaurant, activity room, hairdressers, and a shop.

Where you could live

We have pdf 13 Extra Care Housing (914 KB) locations across Bristol.

North and Central Bristol

Blaise Weston Court
Location: Broadlands Drive, Lawrence Weston
Opened: April 2008
Provider: Hanover Housing Association
No flats for sale.

Westbury Fields (Sommerville)
Location: Greystoke Avenue, Southmead
Opened: April 2004
Provider: St Monica Trust
Some flats available on a part buy, part rent basis in the wider village.

Ash Lea Court
Location: Lyddington Road, Monks Park
Opened: November 2009
Provider: Hanover Housing Association
Four flats for sale on a part buy, part rent basis.

Stoke Gifford Village (joint scheme with South Glos council)
Location: Coldharbour Lane, Stoke Gifford
Opened:  November 2018
Provider: Extra Care Charitable Trust
181 flats for sale or part buy

Hillside Court
Location: Meg Thatcher's Gardens, St George
Opened: June 2004
Provider: Housing 21
No flats for sale.

Colliers Gardens
Location: Delabere Avenue, Fishponds
Opened: January 2006
Provider: Brunelcare 
No flats for sale.

Lincoln Gardens
Location: Gaunts Ham Park, Lawrence Hill
Opened: April 2008
Provider: Guinness Trust 
No flats for sale.

South Bristol

Monica Wills House
Location: West Street, Bedminster
Opened: October 2006
Provider: St Monica Trust 
Some shared ownership and flats for sale.

Anchor House/Southlands
Location: Well's Road, Knowle
Opened: Southlands, Winter 2005, and Anchor House, Summer 2004
Provider: Guinness Trust
No flats for sale.

ABC Centre
Location: Chessington Avenue, Hengrove
Opened: Spring 2004
Housing Provider: Brunelcare
No flats for sale.

Waverley Gardens
Location: off Queens Road, Bishopsworth
Provider: Brunelcare 
Opened: September 2009. Extension opening Spring 2020.
10 flats for sale on a part buy, part rent basis. 10 more flats available in 2020.

Bluebell Gardens
Location: Hollway Road, Stockwood
Opened: June 2012
Provider: Housing 21 
Shared ownership available.

Haberfield House
Location: Hollway Road, Stockwood
Opened:  April 2019
Provider: Bristol Charities
No flats for sale

 

The cost

Costs vary from scheme to scheme. As well as rent there will also be a service charge and/or a charge for amenities plus utility bills. We can provide a breakdown of costs.

Blaise Weston Court and Ash Lea Court both have a mandatory charge for a hot lunchtime meal.

There may be extra costs for some activities.

You'll be financially assessed by Bristol City Council to determine what you contribute towards your care and support costs.

See our what you may have to pay page for more information.

Who provides the care

Care is provided by an onsite care and support team who will work closely with the Council to provide your care and support.

The care and support team will either work for the Extra Care Housing provider or for a partner care provider. There is always someone who can provide your planned care and respond to emergencies.

You can request that the care and support team can increase and decrease their support. Sometimes you will need a social worker to assist with this.

Meals

Most schemes have a restaurant.

Care and support staff can also help you to cook your meal in your own kitchen or prepare it for you as part of your support.

Blaise Weston Court and Ash Lea Court both have a mandatory charge for a hot lunchtime meal.

Facilities

Most kitchens have a cooker and hob included.

There are washing machines you can use in the communal laundry, or a care worker can do this if it's part of your support plan, for an extra cost.

All flats in the schemes are fully accessible and have wet rooms. There is also an accessible bathroom where you can be assisted to have a bath.

You'll need to bring your own furniture and pay for things like phone, TV, internet charges and council tax.

How to complain or comment about your extra care housing

You should first speak to your ECH scheme manager about the issue.

If you're still not happy, complete our online form.

The Bristol City Council Extra Care Housing team can be contacted via email on echteam@bristol.gov.uk or by calling Care Direct on 0117 922 2700.

There are other Housing options for older people on Housing options for older and vulnerable people.