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AFFORDABILITY, CHOICES AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN HOUSING WITH CARE
This is the first UK-wide study of the views of self funders living in not-for-profit and private HWC. Self funders are tenants and owner occupiers paying some or all the costs of their housing/care/support, including people with a personal budget.
This qualitative study examines how affordability affects choice (of care and other services) and the consequences for quality of life, especially for those with high (or increasing) support needs (i.e. mainly, but not exclusively, those aged 85+). The study is important because there are so many uncertainties faced by individuals when making choices and decisions around affordability, quality of life and value for money in HWC:
- Can I afford to stay here? What happens if my circumstances change (e.g. increasing costs, reduced income or savings)?
- Can I get the care and support I need? What happens if my care needs increase?
- Will my HWC scheme stay the same? What if standards, facilities or the resident mix change?
- Will I be able to stay here until the end of my life?
This research found that:
- Older people face many uncertainties about affordability, changes to charges and care needs;
- 85% of residents interviewed were very happy in HWC. Couples could stay together, and partner carers received support;
- The majority of people saw HWC as good value for money;
- Age and health influenced whether HWC was (and would remain) affordable.
FULL REPORT / PDF 63 pages 567 kb 
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