How Is Extra Care Housing for Older People Defined in the UK? Observations From a Scoping Review

Background Extra care housing is a model of housing for older people where residents live in self‐contained accommodation with flexible care and support available 24/7. Ageing populations, seen globally and in the UK, mean increasing demand for this type of housing which may help people live independently for longer. However, schemes vary widely (e.g. in size and facilities). Objectives To explore whether and how extra care housing was defined by studies conducted in the UK. Methods We conducted a scoping review. ASSIA, CINHAL, Medline and four further databases, along with relevant websites, were searched in June 2024 and citation‐chasing completed on included studies. Systematic reviews and primary research and evaluations published since 2010, on extra care housing for older people and investigating any outcome, were included. We assessed whether studies met our working definition of extra care housing, which was based on published literature and stakeholder consultation. Results Of 70 included studies, most ( n = 55) defined extra care housing in some way. These definitions tended to be descriptive (i.e., part of the background), rather than applied (i.e., used to decide whether schemes should be included in the study). Studies were most likely to refer to the need for extra care housing to have self‐contained accommodation and communal facilities. Few studies indicated in their definition that residents should rent/own their accommodation, or that housing and care should be contracted separately. Conclusions Whilst there is a growing body of evidence regarding the provision of extra care housing as a model of housing for older people, there is variation in how it is defined. Consensus on the definition of extra care housing is needed for older people seeking to understand their housing options, for providers and policymakers, in ensuring that ECH meets the needs of residents, and for researchers studying extra care housing.