'You don't expect to get old - I never planned'

Patricia Tomlinson used to look after residents at a nursing home, but she never expected to need care herself.

"You don't think you're going to get old, do you? I never planned. I never thought I would live this old".

The 82-year-old expected to remain with her family in Leicester, but then her daughter died.

Now, after two bad falls, Ms Tomlinson has moved to one of six centres in Leicestershire offering what is known as "extra care".

Oak Court in Blaby, which has 50 flats, gives residents their privacy and independence, but there are carers on site and shared facilities for socialising and meals.

Everyone pays for their care and the rent and service charge, unless they qualify for housing benefit.

The housing scheme manager, Louise Devenish, says many people want to move in because they are socially isolated.

She added: "People make friends. They've got their lunch provided. And a lot of them say this is their family."

Recently, Ms Tomlinson was enjoying a flower-arranging class and a "chair-based" musical exercise session.

That involves moving her arms and legs to familiar tunes including 'All Shook Up', 'Reet Petite' and 'Mamma Mia'.

Leicestershire County Council says supported living is both more affordable and better for wellbeing than a traditional care home.

Christine Radford, who oversees adult social care at the authority, says it means residents "live longer and happier".

Radford says many people are so frightened of getting older they are "burying their head in the sand".

"If you don't plan ahead and you've got a crisis situation, what we don't want is them to stay in hospital," she said.

"I am 77. That's why when I had my front door done I got it made wider (in case) I needed a wheelchair. When I had my bathroom done I had a walk-in shower that was big enough to have a chair in there if I needed it.

"My boys laughed at me, but if you're in hospital and you need that, you can't get workers to come in the next day".

Malcolm Blake, 75, had to leave his home in Kirby Muxloe because his wife had Alzheimer's and could not care for him.

Mr Blake, who describes himself as "totally blind", moved into Oak Court four years ago.

"I think it's very important to have a plan or to come here for me. If ever I need help we've got the Lifeline (alarm system) here.

"It's like being at home but the difference is you've got care on site. They're not shy of me because of my blindness and they're all ready to help me".

Leicestershire's adult social care bill rose to more than £200m this year, as the population ages.

It now accounts for more than 40% of the council's total annual budget.

Radford said money can be saved by planning ahead to avoid unnecessary stays in hospital or care homes.

"You really need conversations with your family to say 'this is what I would like' and having a look round what alternatives there are," she added.

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