Advantages and challenges of extra care housing in the UK for people living with dementia: a scoping review

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on a scoping review of the advantages and challenges
of extra care housing (ECH) provision in the UK for people living with dementia. Access to suitable
housing is a fundamental right for people living with dementia and can enable people to live as well as
possible (Twyford and Porteus, 2021). Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of different
models of housing with care has been identified as a research priority by people living with dementia
(Barrett et al., 2016) but ‘‘there is no current consensus on the best model of specialist housing for people
with dementia’’ (Twyford and Porteus, 2021, p. 29).
Design/methodology/approach – This scoping review identifies the advantages and disadvantages of
living in ECH for people with dementia. It is the preliminary stage of a study that seeks to develop
knowledge about different models of ECH for people living with dementia (Atkinson et al., 2021).
Findings – Advantages include the promotion of independence, flexible staffing, safety and security,
social inclusion, physical design and integrated service provision. Disadvantages include barriers to
entry, tensions between independence and support, managing advanced dementia, resourcing flexible
care, managing social exclusion, loneliness and stigma and a disabling environment.
Research limitations/implications – The scoping review reinforces the need for further research into
different models of ECH provision in the UK for people living with dementia. The review provides insight
that is of benefit to all stakeholders involved in ECH and contributes to the development of evidence-based provision called for in the recent All Party Parliamentary Group inquiry (Twyford and Porteus,
2021).
Originality/value – This scoping review summarises the current position for people living with dementia
in ECH