Supported Living Accommodation
What is supported living?
The term “Supported Living” describes a broad range of housing and support options for vulnerable people. Supported Living is distinct from residential care and other schemes following basic principles whereby people have their own home, with the care and support they need to be provided completely separately. This means they are able to exercise choice over how and where they live and who supports them. Supported living empowers vulnerable people and enables them to optimise independence and lead full and valued lives within their local community.
Supported Living focuses on one person at a time, planning for them individually. It starts with people’s relationships and social networks, taking into account family and informal support and community resources. Within this framework paid support can be provided in several ways, including staff employed by a social care provider agency or charitable organisation. Although support is individualised, people living together in the same house can and often do still share some elements of basic support.
Supported Living can be a suitable option for vulnerable people who may have complex needs, learning or physical disabilities or mental health and other support needs, as the support is tailored to individual needs. For some people living on their own is most suited to their needs whilst others may prefer to share. It is agreed on an individual basis, with support hours being matched to an individual’s needs, which may vary from a few hours a week to 24-hour support.
The care and support received by individuals are regulated by the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales in Wales and the Care Quality Commission in England. Unlike residential care, (in which housing, care and support are provided together) the separation of the housing element means that Housing Benefit can be claimed to pay for housing costs and tenants are provided with security of tenure and cannot be moved against their will.
Supported Living can be delivered in a range of settings and housing models including individual flats and houses. Individuals live there as tenants or owners or through shared ownership and may rent from the local authority, a housing association, and the private landlord or even from parents or family. Self-contained accommodation offers greater independence for individuals.
First Choice provides supported living accommodation throughout Wales and Shropshire for a range of vulnerable clients. Support to those clients is provided by a range of domiciliary care providers, usually appointed by the local authority.
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Find out more information on how to apply for a First Choice home here: