What is Supported Living? And what are the benefits? 

In today’s world, individuals with disabilities or special needs have a broad spectrum of care and support services to choose from. Among these, one that stands out for its balance of independence and personal care is supported living.

Who is Supported living for?

Supported living refers to a care service designed to help individuals, primarily those with learning or physical disabilities. It allows those in care to live independently while still having access to necessary support.

This specialist form of care focuses on independence and increasing social interactions. The goal is to service users a sense of belonging whilst providing the proper support to live a more fulfilling life. 

So, who exactly can benefit from supported living? Supported living can be for people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, individuals recovering from brain injuries, and those with certain mental health issues. The aim is to support these individuals in leading fulfilling lives, with their care needs effectively addressed within a homely environment.

The Difference Between Supported Living at home and in accommodation

Supported living services come in two primary formats – care at home and care within a specialist type of accommodation. You can learn more about supported living accommodation here.

Supported Living at home refers to a care setup where individuals receive necessary support within their own homes. The comfort of one’s own home often contributes positively to the individual’s mental well-being. The support provided can range from help with personal care tasks to managing finances or socialising.

On the other hand, Supported Accommodation involves supported living services provided within housing managed by care organisations or local authorities. These could take the form of individual flats, shared houses, or small residential complexes. While residents have private space, they can also enjoy communal areas and shared activities, thereby encouraging social interaction.

The choice between home-based support and supported accommodation largely depends on the individual’s preferences, care needs, and desired level of social interaction.

The Benefits of Supported Living

The primary benefit of supported living is the enhancement of a person’s quality of life. Everyone deserves to live a fulfilling, independent life, and supported care services provide the stability and structure necessary to make that possible.

1. Greater Independence: Supported living services encourage individuals to live as independently as possible while receiving personal support. They have choice and control over their own lives, from what they eat to how they spend their time.
2. Tailored Support: Care at home or within a shared accommodation can be fully catered to suit each individual’s needs. Individuals receive a support plan to ensure the best possible outcomes. This could involve assistance with daily tasks, medical needs, or even developing life skills.
3. Community Integration: Supported living encourages interaction with the local community, fostering social inclusion and combating isolation. It allows individuals to engage in community activities and build relationships.
4. Security and Stability: With a tenancy agreement in place, individuals in supported living have a sense of security and permanence that can contribute significantly to their mental well-being.
5. Regulated Care: Like care homes, supported housing is regulated by bodies such as the Care Quality Commission, ensuring a high standard of care.

Considerations for Supportive care

While supported living offers numerous advantages, it’s important to bear in mind some key considerations before opting for this care model.

Choosing the Right Provider: Ensure that you choose a reputable provider registered with the correct bodies like the Care Quality Commission.

Understanding the Costs: Supported living accommodation costs can vary based on the location, provider, and level of care needed. Ensure you understand what’s included in the service fee and what may come as an additional cost.

Evaluating Personal Compatibility: Consider if the living environment, support staff, and other residents (in case of supported accommodation) are compatible with the potential resident’s lifestyle and preferences.

Monitoring Quality of Care: Regularly assess the quality of care being provided to ensure that the service remains up to the mark and the individual’s needs are met.

At Safehands, we provide a standard of care that enhances the individual’s quality of life. Whether through care at home or within supported accommodation, our objective is to make a significant and positive difference in an individual’s life.

If you’re considering supported living as a care option, we encourage you to get in touch with us at Safehands. Our team can provide you with invaluable guidance, answer any questions you might have, and help you navigate the process.