Extra Care Housing Scheme For Plymouth

The opening of another brand new Extra Care Housing scheme for Plymouth means there are yet more options for vulnerable adults who need help to stay independent. Astor Court, developed by Signpost Housing Association, is the latest Extra Care Housing scheme to open its doors with spaces available for up 36 tenants aged 50 and over.

The new scheme comprises 30 self contained one and two bedroom apartments for vulnerable adults. It is managed by Ridgeway Housing Association.

Signpost Housing Association bid for the funding to provide the scheme, which has cost £3.8 million to develop with funding provided by the Housing Corporation, Plymouth City Council, the Department of Health and Signpost’s private funders.

Chris Sledge, Chairman of Signpost Housing Association said, at the official opening, “We are extremely proud of this scheme.  It was the first of its kind in the country at the time to receive revenue funding from the Department of Health and it is also part of a bigger project to create a Community Village in the East End.  Our thanks go to everyone involved in delivering the scheme.  It is rewarding to see it being lived in and that the residents are very happy being here.”

All extra care housing schemes in the city are administered by the Council, whose responsibility it is to match people’s needs to appropriate housing through the Sheltered Housing Team.

Debbie Butcher, Commissioning Manager for the Council’s Adult Social Care Service said: “Extra Care Housing schemes mean that residents can continue to live in their own homes, not in a home. It’s a brilliant alternative to residential care and there are such great facilities and a community feel for residents.

“Our aim is to work with organisations in the voluntary and private sectors to provide modern, innovative solutions to social care issues. It’s all about improving the quality of life for older and vulnerable people and that means providing different solutions for different needs. Our services are all about providing quality, variety and choice, and people are beginning to see real benefits as our plans become reality.”