Atkinson T, Oatley R, Evans S
Housing, Care and Support 2023, 26, 3/4: 84—102
Available online 17 Oct 2023
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to report on a scoping review of the advantages and challenges of extra care housing (ECH) provision in the UK for people living with dementia. Access to suitable housing is a fundamental right for people living with dementia and can enable people to live as well as possible. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of different models of housing with care has been identified as a research priority by people living with dementia but “there is no current consensus on the best model of specialist housing for people with dementia”.
Design/methodology/approach
This scoping review identifies the advantages and disadvantages of living in ECH for people with dementia. It is the preliminary stage of a study that seeks to develop knowledge about different models of ECH for people living with dementia.
Findings
Advantages include the promotion of independence, flexible staffing, safety and security, social inclusion, physical design and integrated service provision. Disadvantages include barriers to entry, tensions between independence and support, managing advanced dementia, resourcing flexible care, managing social exclusion, loneliness and stigma and a disabling environment.
Research limitations/implications
The scoping review reinforces the need for further research into different models of ECH provision in the UK for people living with dementia. The review provides insight that is of benefit to all stakeholders involved in ECH and contributes to the development of evidence-based provision called for in the recent All Party Parliamentary Group inquiry.