As many as 725 purpose-built homes to enable older people to live independently for longer are set to be created across 13 Surrey sites by 2030.

Five sites have already been earmarked for extra care housing and now a further eight are being considered as potential locations – putting the county council on track to meet its target of providing 725 apartments within the next decade.

Extra care housing is specially designed to enable older people to live independently in a home of their own knowing that care and support are always on hand.

Sinead Mooney, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Domestic Abuse, said: “Our plans to provide hundreds of new homes across Surrey to help older people lead active and independent lives are really coming together. Residents will have their own self-contained flat, with their own front door, safe in the knowledge that support is available day and night if needed.

“For some people, extra care housing could stop them needing to go into hospital or move to a care home. We’re committed to doing all we can to tackle inequalities in health in our county as part of achieving our community vision for 2030. These schemes – part of our wider plan for accommodation with care and support in Surrey – will be a big part of helping us meet our goal.”

Five locations for extra care housing between them set to provide 310 apartments have already been announced – in Ottershaw, Camberley, Guildford, Epsom and Frimley.

The county council’s Cabinet has given approval for eight further sites to be prioritised for detailed feasibility studies with a view to taking them forward as extra care schemes. These schemes have the potential to provide 415 apartments – making up the rest of the 725 target.

The eight further potential sites will look at providing extra care housing in Reigate and Banstead, Waverley and Elmbridge. Surveys, analysis and other feasibility work will continue on the sites and a report will then be presented to Cabinet. The mix of sites taken forward for extra care housing may change depending on the outcome of the work and any changes in need or demand around the county.

The extra care developments, which will bring into use the county council’s own land, will be in keeping with the local area and include communal facilities such as a lounge, café and landscaped garden.

The schemes will boast technological and design features such as smart technology and voice-activated devices to enable residents to continue leading the lives they choose for as long as possible. The housing will be close to the heart of the community and within a short distance of local amenities.

Find out more here about the ways the schemes will be purpose-built to enable people to live independently in their own homes.

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