The Unforeseen Reality of Aging and the Role of ‘Extra Care’

Patricia Tomlinson, who previously worked caring for residents in a nursing home, did not anticipate requiring care for herself. She stated, “You don’t think you’re going to get old, do you? I never planned. I never thought I would live this old”. The 82-year-old had intended to stay with her family in Leicester; however, her daughter passed away. Following two significant falls, Ms Tomlinson has since relocated to one of six facilities in Leicestershire that provide “extra care” services. Oak Court in Blaby, a facility comprising 50 flats, offers residents privacy and independence while also providing on-site carers and communal areas for social interaction and dining. Residents are responsible for the cost of their care, rent, and service charge, unless they are eligible for housing benefit. According to Louise Devenish, the housing scheme manager, a significant number of individuals seek to move into such facilities due to social isolation. She further commented, “People make friends. They’ve got their lunch provided. And a lot of them say this is their family.” Recently, Ms Tomlinson participated in a flower-arranging class and a “chair-based” musical exercise session. This activity involves moving her arms and legs to well-known songs such as ‘All Shook Up’, ‘Reet Petite’, and ‘Mamma Mia’. Leicestershire County Council states that supported living options are more economical and beneficial for wellbeing compared to conventional care homes. Christine Radford, who is responsible for adult social care at the authority, asserts that this approach enables residents to “live longer and happier”. Radford observes that many individuals are so apprehensive about aging that they are “burying their head in the sand”. She stated, “If you don’t plan ahead and you’ve got a crisis situation, what we don’t want is them to stay in hospital.” Radford shared her personal experience, stating, “I am 77. That’s why when I had my front door done I got it made wider (in case) I needed a wheelchair. When I had my bathroom done I had a walk-in shower that was big enough to have a chair in there if I needed it.” She added, “My boys laughed at me, but if you’re in hospital and you need that, you can’t get workers to come in the next day”. Malcolm Blake, aged 75, was compelled to vacate his residence in Kirby Muxloe because his wife, who has Alzheimer’s, was unable to provide him with care. Mr Blake, who identifies as “totally blind”, relocated to Oak Court four years prior. Mr Blake commented, “I think it’s very important to have a plan or to come here for me. If ever I need help we’ve got the Lifeline (alarm system) here.” He continued, “It’s like being at home but the difference is you’ve got care on site. They’re not shy of me because of my blindness and they’re all ready to help me”. This year, Leicestershire’s expenditure on adult social care increased to over £200 million, a rise attributed to the aging population. This now constitutes more than 40% of the council’s overall annual budget. Radford indicated that financial savings could be achieved through proactive planning, thereby preventing avoidable hospital or care home admissions. She further advised, “You really need conversations with your family to say ‘this is what I would like’ and having a look round what alternatives there are.” For updates, follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or through WhatsApp at 0808 100 2210. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.