A MAJOR expansion of care facilities for elderly people who want to retain their independence is now underway.

North Yorkshire County Council has today (Thursday, February 26) started a procurement process to find a partner organisation to create Extra Care accommodation in every major town in the county, and the council is looking to work with social housing and developers who will fund, build and manage the schemes on the council’s behalf.

The multi-million pound project is based on what the people of North Yorkshire have said they want - to be able to live independent lives in their own homes, with more choice and control over their support so they can remain part of their local communities for longer.

Extra Care accommodation allows people to live in their own homes but with care and support, according to their needs, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

County councillor Clare Wood, member for health and adult services, said: “The procurement process is the first step towards a major expansion of a system which has won widespread acclaim for the way it allows people to live independent, happy, supported lives.

“By 2020, the strategy will have seen the provision of many more apartments and bungalows right across North Yorkshire – making it possible for people to have the care and support they need, in the places where they want to live.”

The council said it wants each facility to be developed to match its local surroundings and requirements – and that quality design will be a crucial part of the procurement process.

Extra Care homes also provide communal facilities such as a lounge, restaurant, hair and beauty room, guest suite and assisted bathing room.

In some places, Extra Care schemes may also incorporate a GP surgery, library, short break respite service and specialist accommodation for people living with dementia, or other complex needs.

Specialist accommodation for people with dementia or other complex needs will make it easier to live better, through the use of colour and other design features to establish familiar routes through buildings. Telecare will also be extensively used to allow care staff to be on hand if required.

“All our consultations have told us that Extra Care is what people really want,” added Cllr Wood. “The procurement process beginning today brings that aspiration close to reality.”