If you or a loved one can't live independently in your own home, but you don't need the constant support of residential care, supported living could be a good solution.
Supported living schemes allow adults with care needs to live independently, while still getting support from professionals. They generally provide a combination of accommodation and support, as well as socialisation with other residents.
In this guide, we'll look at what supported living is, the eligibility requirements, funding for supported accommodation, and how to find supported living facilities.
What is supported living?
Supported living is all about independence. You'll have your own front door, and can make your own choices about your life and your care.
Supported living schemes in England vary widely. In some supported living properties, you might share a house with other residents and have a communal kitchen, living area, and bathrooms. Other supported living schemes offer a range of self-contained apartments and bungalows, each with its own bathroom, kitchen, and living room.
Staff may be on site 24 hours a day, or just visit during the day. The staff team may deliver personal care, help with meal preparation and housework, and support residents with activities like going to college or shopping.
You may also hear supported living schemes called housing with support, assisted care facilities, or independent living facilities. Some supported living schemes, mostly for older people, are also called sheltered housing. Extra care housing is also similar, but usually offers more support than supported living and sheltered housing.
Supported living is ideal for people who need some support and care, but can manage independently for some of the time. If you live in a supported housing scheme and your care needs increase, you may need to move to a care home.
Differences between supported housing and care homes
Supported living schemes and care homes can both help people who need support to live independently. However, there are some significant differences, including:
Independence: Care home residents often need to follow the facility's routine – there will be set mealtimes and activity sessions, for example. People in supported living schemes can usually set their own schedule, choose their own meals, and control their own budgets.
Accommodation: Care home residents usually have one room, sometimes with an ensuite bathroom. Many supported living properties offer self-contained apartments, where residents have their own kitchen, bathroom and living areas.
Care: In care and nursing homes, care is available 24 hours a day. In supported living schemes, care is often delivered by visiting carers at set times.
Family members: In care homes, the person who needs care is usually the only person who moves in. However, couples often move to supported living schemes together – and they can often keep their pets with them, too.
Staffing: Staff work 24 hours a day in care homes, and are always in the building. However, supported living schemes may not have staff on site throughout the day and night – although residents usually have a way to call someone in the event of an emergency.
Payments: Care home residents usually pay one weekly or monthly fee that covers rent, care, food, and utilities. People in supported living schemes may need to arrange and pay separately for their own food, utilities and care.
What qualifies you for supported living?
Each supported living scheme in England will have its own requirements. In general, to be eligible for supported housing, you must be over 18 and have some care and support needs. You should also want to live independently.
Some independent living schemes will require potential residents to have a physical disability, a learning disability, or be autistic. That's because supported accommodation often houses groups of people with similar conditions, or those in similar situations, such as:
- People with learning disabilities
- Autistic people
- People with mental health issues
- People with substance abuse issues
- People with brain injuries and brain damage
- People with mobility difficulties
- Older people, usually aged 55 and over
To learn more about the requirements of a specific supported living scheme, contact your chosen facility directly.
Supported living for younger adults
Some people choose to move to supported living as a young adult, when they're ready to move out of their parents' home but can't live independently. Others might move in after an illness or injury, or when they've been discharged from hospital.
Adults under 65 who live in supported living schemes might be autistic, have learning disabilities, mobility difficulties, mental health concerns, or substance abuse issues.
For some people, moving to supported housing is a bridge to living independently in their own home. Others may stay in supported living schemes for their whole lives.
To decide if supported living is right for you, have a think about these questions:
- Do you want to be more independent? Perhaps you want to move out of your parents' home, or move out of a care home or hospital setting.
- Do you need help with your care needs? You might need some support from carers, but not enough to require 24-hour care and supervision.
- Has your social worker, carer, or another professional suggested that supported living might be a good choice for you? They will understand your condition and any limitations you may have, and they may also know about local supported accommodation that could suit you.
If you've answered yes to any of these questions, supported accommodation might be a good option for you.
Some people worry that they won't manage to live independently in a supported living scheme. However, supported living can be tailored to your needs. For example, if you can't manage housekeeping, laundry, or food preparation, your care team can arrange this for you.
Search supported living schemes
Find Your Room lists supported living and assisted care facilities with current availability.
Supported living for older people
Some older people move to supported living schemes when they can no longer manage to keep up with their home – it can be a good alternative to a care home.
Many people want to keep their independence as much as possible. Even if you struggle with your mobility or can't safely live alone in a large house, you may not want to move to a care home. For lots of people, it's important to be able to have their own front door, and to manage their own routine, meals, and finances.
Choosing to move to a supported housing scheme is a very personal decision. Moving house can be stressful, and, if you've lived in your current home for a long time, it can be very difficult to consider leaving – even if you know you're struggling.
To decide if supported living is right for you, consider these questions:
- Are you struggling to cope in your current home? Perhaps you find it hard to climb the stairs, or you can't manage the housework and gardening.
- Do you need support with your care needs? This could be as little as someone reminding you to take your medication once a day, or more intensive support, like helping you with washing and dressing.
- Do you worry about your safety? You might be concerned about falling, or simply want the reassurance of knowing that someone will be nearby if you need help.
- Do you feel lonely or isolated? Supported living schemes can be a good way to make new friends. They often arrange activities for residents, and you'll be surrounded by people of your own age.
- Do you want to keep as much independence as possible? If you'd rather avoid moving to a care home, supported living could be a good solution.
If you've answered yes to any of these questions, you may want to consider a supported living or sheltered housing scheme.
As your care needs increase, some sheltered accommodation can continue to support you, so you won't need to move again. However, some supported living schemes may not be able to care for you, especially if you have advanced dementia or need 24-hour care.
Who pays for supported living?
Supported living is often funded through a mixture of local authority support, benefits like Universal Credit or Housing Benefit, and a contribution from the resident or their family.
There are generally three main types of cost that you'll pay when living in supported accommodation:
- Rent: Depending on your circumstances, this could be paid by Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, your care funding, or privately funded through your income or savings.
- Care costs: Depending on your circumstances, this may be paid by the local authority, NHS continuing care, or your own income or savings. Care funding depends on your health and care needs, as well as your financial situation.
- Utilities and other daily living costs: Depending on your circumstances, these may be paid through your income or savings, support from family or friends, or your benefits.
Some supported living schemes allow residents to purchase their own house, apartment, or bungalow. If you purchase a home, you will usually do this out of your savings.
How do I find supported living near me?
If you like the sound of supported living, the next step is to find the right facility for you or your loved one.
Find Your Room has a directory of supported living properties with current availability. If you have a social worker, they may also be able to advise you about local assisted care facilities.
When you're looking for supported living, you should consider:
- Location: Is this property near family, friends, and any community activities that the resident enjoys?
- Other residents: How many people live in the property, how old are they, and will the resident get on with them?
- Availability of care: Does the scheme provide personal care, or will you need to arrange this separately?
- Meals, housekeeping, and laundry: Does the scheme provide these?
- Staffing: Are there staff on-site 24 hours a day?
- Cost: How much will you pay each week, and what is included in that cost?
Conclusion: Supported living
Supported living can be a great choice for adults who want independence but need a little extra help. Whether you're a young adult or an older person, an assisted care facility can support you to get the most out of your life.
If you're looking for a supported living placement, Find Your Room can help. We have a directory of properties that are currently available – why not take a look today?
Ready to find supported living?
Search supported living and assisted care facilities with live availability on Find Your Room.
