What is supported living?
Supported living means having your own home and your own tenancy, with care and support arranged around you.
Your home, your tenancy, your choices
In supported living, each person holds their own tenancy. Their care and support is arranged separately from their housing. This means a person can keep their home even if their support needs change.
People choose how they are supported and what happens in their own home. Many people share a house with a small group of housemates, each with their own bedroom and shared spaces such as the lounge, kitchen and garden.
- A legal tenancy in the person’s own name
- Support planned around the person, not the building
- Part of the local community
Adults who want more independence
Supported living can suit adults aged 18 and over with learning disabilities, autism and/or physical disabilities, including people moving on from the family home, from residential care or from a hospital setting.
Leaving the family home
Taking the next step towards an independent adult life.
Moving from residential care
More choice and control, in a home of your own.
Moving from hospital
A planned, gradual move with the right support in place.
Changing needs
Support that can increase or reduce over time.
Help with the things that matter to you
Personal care
Washing, dressing and personal routines.
Medication
Prompting, administration and safe records.
Home life
Cooking, shopping, cleaning and laundry.
Money
Budgeting, bills and benefits.
Health
Appointments and working with health professionals.
Community
Education, volunteering, work, hobbies and travel.
Relationships
Keeping in touch with family and friends.
Up to 24-hour support
Where it has been assessed as needed.
Activities
A weekly plan built around the person’s interests.
Frequently asked questions
How is supported living paid for?
Care and support is usually funded by the local authority or the NHS after a needs assessment. Some people receive direct payments and arrange their own support. Tenants pay their rent and living costs, often with help from Housing Benefit or Universal Credit and disability benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
How do I get started?
Ask the adult social care team at your local council for a needs assessment, or contact us and we will talk you through the options and the next steps.
What is the difference between supported living and residential care?
In residential care, accommodation and care come together from one provider. In supported living, the person has their own tenancy and their support is arranged separately, so they have more control over their home and their life.
Will I share my home?
Many of our tenants share a house with a small number of housemates. Everyone has their own bedroom and tenancy, and shares spaces such as the kitchen, lounge and garden. We think carefully about who lives together.
Can families stay involved?
Yes. With the person’s agreement, we involve families in planning support and activities and keep them updated regularly.
Who checks the quality of the support?
We are registered with and inspected by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Local authorities who fund support also monitor our service. You can read more on our Quality & CQC page.
Talk to us about supported living
Whether you are a commissioner, a social worker, a family member or looking for support yourself, we are happy to talk things through.
020 8129 0990Ext 0 Head office · Ext 1 Grange House · Ext 2 Bridge House