It can also be called retirement housing. Sheltered housing which is called ‘extra care sheltered housing’, ‘very sheltered housing’, ‘assisted living housing’ or ‘close care’ provides care and support from a care team located on site.

While different schemes vary, most will provide:

• self-contained flats with their own kitchen and bathroom;
• a laundry;
• a communal lounge;
• optional social activities;
• communal gardens;
• a guest room for overnight visitors;
• security and safety features;
• a warden or scheme manager; and
• 24-hour emergency assistance through an alarm scheme.