Extra care housing offers a self-contained flat with care staff on site. A care home provides a room and care around the clock. The right choice depends on how much care is needed now and in the near future.
At a glance
| Extra care housing | Care home | |
|---|---|---|
| Home | Your own flat, with your own front door | A room, with shared lounges and dining |
| Care | Planned visits from an on-site team, plus help in an emergency | Staff on duty day and night; nursing in a nursing home |
| Costs | Rent or purchase, service charge, plus care paid by the hour | One weekly fee |
| Suits | People who need some care and want independence | People who need care or supervision around the clock |
Questions to ask
- How much care can the on-site team provide, and at night?
- What happens if needs increase?
- What are the service charges, and how much is the care?
If care needs are high or rising quickly, a care home is often the safer choice. See care home costs and home care costs to compare.
Common questions
What is the difference between a care home and extra care housing?
A care home provides a room, meals and round-the-clock care in a shared setting, whereas extra care housing gives people their own self-contained flat with its own front door, with care staff on site who can provide planned and emergency help. Extra care suits people who want independence but need some support. People with high nursing or advanced dementia needs usually need a care home.
Source: Age UK
More questions
Find care homes near you
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Highly rated care homes in England
- Choices for Living Well (Killelea) Outstanding · Bury
- Collingwood Court Outstanding · North Shields
- Avondale House Outstanding · Westgate On Sea
- Brook House Care Home Outstanding · Lutterworth
Rated by CQC in the last three years. Nobody pays to appear here.
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Related guides
Free download
Free printable: 40 things to check in a care home
Take it on every visit and compare up to three homes side by side: CQC checks, staffing, daily life, the room, fees and the contract.
Reviewed by The Care Panel team on 21 October 2026. This guide is general information about care in England, not legal, medical or financial advice. Rules and rates change; check with your council or an adviser before making decisions.