Housing with care for later life: a literature review

An overview of recent evidence related to new and emerging models of housing with care for later life. There is growing interest and investment in housing schemes for older people that combine independent living with relatively high levels of care. This review looks at UK evidence around issues of independence, social integration, and the capacity of housing with care to meet a range of care needs. It focuses on primary research and service evaluations, drawing out key messages for service providers and commissioners. The evidence base is small. However, it provides valuable insights into how well housing with care serves current policy objectives, and whether it meets the needs and aspirations of older people. The evidence supports the idea that housing with care promotes independence, and generates high levels of resident satisfaction, messages around other key areas are more ambivalent, however