What is Supported Living and How Does it Work?

People with diverse needs can live happy, fulfilling lives in their communities safely and independently with the help of supported living services. A person who enrols in supported living has their own home and tenancy agreement. They also receive care and support, which can range from a few hours per week to round-the-clock one-on-one assistance.

To maximize their independence and lead the lives they choose, many persons with learning difficulties, autism, and other requirements need some form of support. If a person would struggle to manage independently at home but does not want to live in residential care, a supported living program may be able to help. Supported living enables people to continue doing the things that are important to them and to make decisions about how they wish to live.

So, what is supported living and how does it work? This article focuses on supported living, including what it is, how it varies from residential care, and who can use it.

How does Supported Living work?

People with diverse needs are given the opportunity to live independently in their own homes through supported living. Individuals who live in supported housing have their own leases and, with assistance, are in charge of paying their own bills. In some circumstances, they will partially or fully equip their house and assume repair costs for any damage. Those who live in supported housing have their own tenancy arrangement with a landlord and have the security of living in their home.

Either living alone or with others are choices. Self-contained flats, homes, bungalows, and customized housing alternatives are also available.

Who is entitled to Supported Living Services?

Services for supported living assist persons with needs, such as:

Learning disabilities

Mental health needs

Behaviours that may challenge

Complex needs

Autism

Acquired brain injuries (ABI)

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS)

Forensic needs

Each person’s unique needs will be taken into account when providing care and support.

What differentiates residential care from supported living?

A person in a supported living environment will have their own house and tenancy agreement, which is how it varies from a residential care setting. With assistance from staff, they will be in charge of covering their living expenses and paying their bills.

Residential care offers both lodging and personal assistance. While residents of residential care facilities have their own private bedrooms, public spaces like the kitchen and living room are shared by all of the residents.

This implies that while both have their advantages, assisted living might offer more freedom and privacy than a person might have from residential care.

What services are provided by supported housing?

Supported living programs offer assistance in a variety of areas so that individuals can live more independent and satisfying lives. Examples include support with:

Taking medication

Going to university

Personal care, such as getting washed and dressed

Help with money, including claiming benefits

Finding a job or voluntary work

Maintaining links with family and friends, and building new relationships

Following a healthy lifestyle

Accessing leisure and social activities

Cooking, cleaning and looking after the home

Moving into a supported living facility

The transition into supported living may feel like a major step for someone who has never left their family home. The ideal service would thoughtfully organize their move into their new residence and cater to their unique demands. For some people, this entails making the shift gradually over several months in order to reduce any worry and make sure they are anticipating the journey. In other situations, a person might be content to settle into their new home right away.

If a person wants to live with others, the provider of supported living should pair them up with others who have similar interests and lifestyles.

Finding the Right Supported Living Service

Contact your social worker in the first instance to go over your alternatives if your loved one wants to live more independently and you’re thinking about moving them to supported living. They ought to include choosing to stay put if that’s what they wish to do. Your loved one might be offered their own home or shared housing in some supported living communities.

Elixonn Healthcare Supported Living Service

We offer Supported Living Services to clients in their homes. We assist clients with disabilities who need help with administrative tasks and personal care while maintaining their independence and dignity.

Our service is flexible and offers value for your money. Before creating our support living plans, we take time to know each client and build a clear understanding of their history, current situation and future goals. We listen to them and incorporate their wishes and desires into their personalized plans.

We are at your beck and call providing physical and emotional support. Our staff visit your home to help you get out of bed, go out to school or work and do simple tasks such as shopping, housework and repairs. We cater to the physically challenged, mentally disabled and other conditions.

You can contact us here