Supported living is a great option for people with specialist needs who don’t want to move into residential care. On a daily basis, support can look like help with daily routines, medication, social activities. Supported living properties are tailored for small groups of people who have similar requirements and supported by trained care workers whose skills are matched to the specific needs of the people living there.
This includes people living with:
- mental health issues
- learning disabilities
- autism
- epilepsy
- complex medical needs
- substance misuse issues
Providers who offer supported living must be registered and regulated by the Care Quality Commission to make sure they’re delivering the highest standards of care.
Arranging supported living
If you want to know if you or a loved one is eligible for supported living, the first step is to contact your social care team. If you don’t already have a social worker, your local council’s adult social care department is the right starting point. We offer supported living in Banstead, so if you live nearby, contact Surrey County Council and enquire about social care for adults or young people.
They will ask some initial questions, then arrange an assessment of your social and health care needs if they think supported living is a suitable option.
In many cases, they’ll consider supported living before residential care because tenants feel more empowered and independent. Usually, your social worker or care manager will go through your options and local providers with you, although some families prefer to research local providers themselves, which is entirely your right.
Paying for supported living
When you move into supported living, you’re considered a tenant, so you’ll be responsible for paying for rent, food, bills and other expenses. Supported living services are flexible depending on each individual’s needs, so it may be more affordable than moving into full-time residential care. Many people with eligible needs can receive a Direct Payment from their local authority to purchase their own care, which gives them more control.
Your social worker can find out if you’re eligible for funding. In many cases, existing benefits such as Universal Credit and housing benefit can help cover costs, though this will depend on your individual circumstances. Tenants who aren’t eligible for funding will need to use their own income or personal savings to pay for the service. A financial assessment will determine what contribution, if any, you’re expected to make.
What happens if I move to a new area?
Supported living is arranged through your local authority, but that doesn’t restrict your freedom to move to a new area. If you or a loved one want to move to a new area, there are procedures in place to ensure continuity of care (the Care Act 2014).
Discuss your plans with your social worker. Your local authority will work with their counterparts in the area you plan to move to. The original local authority will need to provide the second local authority with a copy of your current care plan, your most recent needs assessment, your personal budget (if you pay privately) and any other relevant details.
The new local authority will then carry out its own assessment, especially if your care needs change when you move (e.g. if you move away from family and need more support). Your original social care team should remain involved during the transition to help ensure continuity when you arrive at your new home.
Your original social care team should remain involved during the transition to help ensure continuity.
What if supported living isn’t right for me?
If you move into a supported living property and feel that it’s not right for you, speak to your care team and social workers. They may be able to find ways to better support your needs or move you to a different property.
Sometimes, supported living just isn’t the right fit, and that’s ok. You might prefer to move into a residential care home or have home care at a private residence. Great care is tailored around the individual, so be open about your wants, needs, and expectations to find the best option for you. Our care plans are regularly reviewed, so if needs change over time, support can be adjusted.
If you’d like to find out more about our supported living services across West Sussex and Surrey, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with our friendly team today.