Housing with care flats helping people leave hospital

10 Housing with Care flats across Norfolk are being used to support people who are medically fit but need care at home to leave hospital.

People will temporarily move from a hospital bed to a flat in a Housing with Care scheme for up to four weeks. They will receive 24/7 care and support before moving back to their home.

Developed as a partnership between Norfolk County Council, the landlords (Broadland Housing Association and Saffron Housing Trust), NorseCare, Country Kitchen Foods Norfolk and NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board the flats will be available until 31 March.

Cllr Bill Borrett, Norfolk County Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health, said: "We want to help people feel better prepared to return home after spending time in hospital and this new approach enables them to try out Housing with Care.

"If those who have been supported in Housing with Care consider the option of moving to a scheme in the future it may well help them retain their independence and give them peace of mind that care is on hand if they need it."

Living in a Housing with Care scheme is different to living at a care home. This is because:

• Housing with Care schemes offer a more independent living option as people get older.
• People have their own tenancy, own flat, and own front door.
• Every flat has a living area, kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom.
• The scheme will have communal areas such as gardens, lounge areas and cafes to meet with friends and enjoy social events.

Cllr Borrett added: "We know that when people start looking at housing options in later life it can get very confusing. To help, Norfolk County Council have information on the public webpages and has created short video guides to help people decide if a Housing with Care scheme is right for them"

Marcus Bailey, Winter System Director for Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care System said: "We know that no one wants to stay in a hospital longer than they need to. This innovative use of Housing with Care flats helps people leave hospital when they're medically fit and still receive care. Allowing our hospitals to care for very sick patients."

Background:

• There are 18 Housing with Care schemes across Norfolk
• Three videos have been created to help people decide whether Housing with Care is right for them:
  • Video 1: Positive, independent living choices for older people This video talks through three different housing options to consider as you get older, but want to keep your independence.
  • Video 2: Housing with Care and Independent Living choices This video goes into more detail about Housing with Care and Independent Living, including the benefits and facilities available.
  • Video 3: How to apply to move into a Housing with Care or Independent Living site This video gives a simple overview of how to apply to move into a Housing with Care or Independent Living scheme.