In the UK, "senior assisted living" is generally understood as a type of housing and care option that allows older adults to maintain a degree of independence while receiving support with daily tasks. It's often referred to as "extra care housing" or "housing with care."  

But what is assisted living for seniors? We attempt to answer this question below.

Core concept: 

• It bridges the gap between independent living and traditional care homes.   

• Residents typically live in self-contained flats or apartments.   

• Care and support services are available on-site, tailored to individual needs.   

Typical services provided: 

• Personal care (washing, dressing, medication assistance).   

• Domestic assistance (cleaning, laundry, shopping).   

• 24-hour support staff and emergency call systems.   

• Communal areas and social activities.   

• Meal preparation in some cases. 

Key differences: 

• Compared to sheltered housing, assisted living offers more comprehensive personal care.   

• Compared to care homes, it emphasises independence and private living spaces. 

Regulation: 

• Assisted living facilities, particularly those providing personal care, are often regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in England. This ensures standards of care are met.   

Financial considerations: 

• Costs vary depending on location, services, and whether the property is rented or owned.   

• Financial assistance may be available through local councils or government benefits.   

• In essence, senior assisted living in the UK aims to provide a supportive environment where older adults can live comfortably and safely while preserving their autonomy. 

Who can benefit from assisted living? 

So now we’ve defined what assisted living for seniors is, you may be wondering whether you are eligible for it. 

Assisted living developments in the UK are designed for seniors, typically over 55, who want to maintain their independence while having access to extra support when needed. They are ideal for those who may not require full-time medical care but would benefit from a maintenance-free lifestyle, on-site amenities, and a network of like-minded neighbours. 

Costs & Inclusions 

The cost of assisted living depends upon the provider. It also depends on whether you buy or rent your accommodation, how much support you need, the scheme you choose and your location. 

Typically, assisted accommodation developments will include: 

• Care and assistance - such as personal care, housecleaning, laundry, and meal preparation. 

• Fees or charges - this could include admin fees, service charges, exit fees and more. 

• Accommodation costs – whether purchasing or renting, there may be ground rent, leasehold charges, or maintenance fees associated with the property. 

• Facilities and amenities – many developments provide communal lounges, landscaped gardens, fitness suites, dining options, and activity programs to promote social engagement and wellbeing. 

• Emergency support – most schemes include 24-hour emergency call systems and on-site staff for added security and peace of mind. 

It’s important to check with individual providers to understand what is covered in the costs and whether there are optional or hidden fees to consider. 

What benefits can you get in extra care housing?  

Benefits that you can get in extra care housing include: housing benefits, pension credit, and help with council tax.  

However, it is important to note that your eligibility for financial support depends on your circumstances. For more information, check out our blog ‘what benefits can I claim in a care home?’ 

Although the focus of the blog is on care homes, the same rules on benefits apply regardless of whether you are moving into a care home or assisted living development.