Supported living is when someone with specialist needs moves or spends time in a home that’s been set up specifically to accommodate them.
These are often shared properties that have been tailored to meet additional physical, behavioural, and emotional needs or support those with learning disabilities. Residents will be cared for or supervised by a team of highly skilled care workers, striking a balance between safety and independence.
We provide supported living in West Sussex. Here are the 5 biggest benefits we see for the person receiving care and their family.
1. A place to call home
People with complex needs or learning disabilities often live at home with their families, but as they approach adulthood, they may want more independence and a place of their own. In other cases, the family may not be equipped to deliver the level of care required. Supported living bridges this gap by providing a safe home and a team of care workers who will follow a bespoke care plan for every resident.
Unlike care homes, supported living properties are homes in the community. Ours are conveniently located near shops, takeaways, and local amenities so residents can enjoy living in the town centre.
2. Making connections
Our supported living properties provide an opportunity to meet and connect with other residents. Everyone has their own bedroom, and there are cosy communal areas if they want to meet new people and make friends.
We also encourage social activities and outings in the local area. This helps people to widen their social circle. If someone has mainly been cared for by family, moving into supported living gives them the opportunity to enjoy more quality time together as care workers can help with things like personal care, medication, and chores.
3. Developing new skills
People moving into supported living often use it as an opportunity to learn new skills that will help them to be more independent in the future. For example, they can learn to cook in a safe, supervised environment, to budget and plan their finances, or to manage their own schedule.
Everyone in supported living has a personalised care plan, which details not just their care needs, but their goals and aspirations. Young people in supported living are encouraged to continue their education, either by attending school or college or via a different route.
4. Tailored for safety
Unlike most family homes, supported living properties are set up to accommodate a range of physical and emotional needs. For those with limited mobility, that might mean ground floor properties equipped with hoists and safety rails. Homes set up for those with dementia or autism may have a sensory room and garden, so there’s always a calm, safe space for residents to retreat to if they feel overwhelmed.
Our properties for supported living in West Sussex are designed to support residents’ needs and comply with CQC regulations to ensure the highest levels of safety.
5. A network of care
Some people worry that if their loved one moves into a supported living property, they’ll feel less involved in their lives. We work closely with families and relevant stakeholders to make sure they’re kept up to date about how their loved one is doing and any changes they want to make to the care plan.
We advocate with those who can’t do so for themselves, and work in partnership with other bodies to make sure every resident has the right level of care. Everyone we support is treated with dignity and respect, and care plans are guided by relevant legislation such as the Mental Health Act and Human Rights Act.
To find out more about supported living, get in touch and speak to the team today.