How can the design of extra care housing help to improve the health and wellbeing of older people?

Most individuals prefer to remain in the comfort of their own homes for as long as possible as they age. However, as reported by NHS England (opens new window), over half of those aged 75 and older go more than one month without speaking to a friend, neighbour, or family member which can leave them vulnerable to social isolation and loneliness and have detrimental effects on their health and overall quality of life. The Alzheimer’s Society states (opens new window) that social isolation can increase a person’s risk of dementia by 60%.

For those seeking to maintain their independence while benefitting from a more supportive and socially enriching environment, downsizing to extra care housing offers a promising solution. Here, accommodation is thoughtfully designed to promote social interaction among residents, helping to combat loneliness and isolation.

The provision of communal amenity facilities such as a lounge, dining room, activity rooms and landscaped gardens encourage residents to engage in group activities and form meaningful relationships with like-minded people.

“Shared spaces foster a sense of belonging and community. Residents feel they are part of a collective environment, which can improve their overall quality of life and provide a sense of security and support.” Amanda Ellwood-Roberts, Sanctuary Supported Living

Combining these with commercial spaces such as cafes, hairdressing and beauty salons or laundrettes, often opened to the wider community, allows residents to maintain a sense of normality while breaking down any sense of isolation through interacting with younger generations. This is further enhanced by the provision of guest suites which allow residents to host families and friends in a homelike setting.

Bedrooms are broken down into small clusters of accommodation which eliminates the need for long corridors, each centred around shared lounges and kitchenettes. This arrangement fosters a stronger sense of community by creating a more intimate, domestic scale that makes residents feel more at home rather than part of an institution. Additionally, orientating these households around a shared courtyard garden helps individuals to feel less isolated through visual connections with the wider community.

Even corridors and pathways are reimagined as opportunities for interaction. By widening and incorporating seating areas along these routes, residents are naturally invited to stop and engage in spontaneous conversations as they go about their day, creating a vibrant and welcoming environment.

With opportunities for social connection woven into every aspect of daily life, extra care housing enables residents to enjoy happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives in their later years.

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Josie is a member of the Housing LIN’s South West Leadership Set. The group works regionally to promote good quality housing for an ageing population and share how a range of different housing options for older people can deliver better personal health and wellbeing outcomes and service improvements.

Sanctuary Supported Living are sponsors of the Housing LIN’s Extra Care Housing webpages.

And, to access more resources on combating loneliness and reducing isolation curated by the Housing LIN, visit these dedicated pages.