Independence and Wellbeing Plus Service

Our Independence and Wellbeing Plus Service, also known as Extra Care Housing, offers care and support for those with an assessed care need, allowing you to live as independently as possible in the security of your own home.

With Homes in Somerset’s Independence and Wellbeing Plus Service there will always be somebody on call if you need any help. Independence and Wellbeing Plus is a form of housing with self-contained, accessible, and affordable one-bedroomed flats that you can rent. They are purpose-built to support people who have care and support needs and there is scope for adaptations to be made to properties subject to assessment by Adult Social Care.

Applications for Independence and Wellbeing Plus involve a care needs assessment, by Adult Social Care, which are then considered at monthly Extra Care Panel meetings.

To qualify for our Independence and Wellbeing Plus Service you need to have regular care and support needs. These can be met by the on-site team of care and support workers commissioned by Adult Social Care. Your support is tailored to your own situation and can easily be adjusted if your needs change.

Independence and Wellbeing Plus might be right for you if you require support with:

• Washing, dressing and personal care
• Preparing snacks and heating up meals
• Shopping and laundry (privately purchased)
• Some domestic tasks (privately purchased)
• Administering medicines (as part of a care package)

Each property has a Lifeline for emergencies, with night-time on-site support available. Communal facilities are also provided. These vary between schemes, but may include a lounge, and day rooms with organised activities, garden and guest rooms available. There is also on-site hairdressing at an additional cost, and communal eating of privately purchased meals available.

Our Homes in Somerset team provides housing-related support for our five Independence and Wellbeing Plus Schemes. The support include:

• Helping with correspondence
• Assistance making health appointments, for example, with your GP
• Helping you deal with money matters, including benefits and budgeting
• Helping with housing and tenancy-related issues
• Managing the building and reporting repairs
• Acting as an advocated, helping residents to access essential services
• Helping residents to build and sustain social and familial relationships

The on-site care provider is responsible for:

• Delivering agreed care plans
• Checking your wellbeing each day
• Helping you to and from the dining room to have a hot meal (there will be a charge for the meal)

Homes in Somerset have five schemes: