Day 18

Today we have three more inspiring videos from Housing 21

Housing 21 – an award winning provider of Retirement Living and Extra Care.

Housing 21 is a leading, not for profit provider of Extra Care and Retirement Living for older people of modest means. We operate in 240 local authority areas and manage more than 22,000 properties across England.

Ami moved to the UK from Kenya in 1968.

The 63-year-old worked as a dedicated employee for the local council, with an impressive career spanning 20 years of service. Soon after her redundancy, she became self-employed, running local businesses that included off-licences, nightclubs, and wedding halls.

The entrepreneur took early retirement to make way for her active social life. In 2020, Ami found herself almost homeless, she was renting at the time and her landlord’s property was being repossessed. Fortunately, she was able to house share with friends in Ireland where she spent her time during lockdown, returning to England in 2022.

Ami loves the community atmosphere that comes with living in Housing 21’s Extra Care scheme.
“Not only am I future-proofing by moving into an Extra Care scheme, but I also have the freedom to live my life in my own way,” said Ami.

“I love the activities; it’s a safe place and I am local to my family.”
Ami lives at an Extra Care scheme in Bradford where the residents have created their close-knit community. “I highly recommend living with Housing 21, for anyone thinking about it, I would say just go for it.”

Edna and Rashford
Extra Care residents

Edna and Rashford Extra Care residents

Edna and Rashford decided to move into Extra with Housing 21 in 2020 after Edna had an unexpected fall.  

The couple relocated to the UK from Jamaica in 1961 and have lived in Bradford ever since. They have been married for over 50 years and realised that Extra Care would suit them because they could move in together while Edna could receive the care that she needed. 

They required a ground-floor flat to accommodate their accessibility needs, which Housing 21 was able to arrange. 

“Extra Care with Housing 21 suits us as a couple because we can remain together while one of us can receive care,” said Rashford.

“We enjoy the social aspect of living in Extra Care, all the residents are lovely, and the Care Workers are very helpful.”

Although Rashford does not have any care needs at the moment, the couple are future-proofing for when this may change.  

The safety and security of living in an Extra Care scheme provides Edna and Rashford with peace of mind, knowing that they are in a safe environment. 

“We really appreciate the security of our flat and that no-one can come inside unless we let them in,” said Edna. 

The couple is content living with Housing 21 with no desire to leave their current scheme.