Supported living

The main principles of supported living are that people can own or rent their home and have control over

• the support they get
• who they live with (if anyone)
• how they live their lives

The aims and objectives of supported living are to ensure that people can

• live as independently as possible and safely in their home and community 
• live in their own home by maintaining a tenancy/ leasehold agreement or ownership 
• have choice and control over their service, including how it is delivered and by whom 
• receive a flexible service that responds to their individual preferences and needs 
• develop existing skills whilst learning new ones to maximise their potential to be independent 
• plan for the future including personal lifestyle choices, for example, relationships, employment, moving home and support to achieve their full potential 
• develop independent living skills, including moving to more independent housing 

Care Quality Commission’s definition of supported living

Supported living schemes provide care and support to people to enable them to live in their own homes. The care and support are provided under separate contractual arrangements to those for the person’s housing. The accommodation is often shared but can be a single household

The main principle of supported living is that individuals have choice and control over the care they receive and who they live with. 

In supported living, accommodation and support are not intrinsically linked in the way that they are for residential homes or nursing homes. 

However for many supported living arrangements, there may be an on site care provider who will be expected to provide a portion of the support that people receive at home.  

Supported living is for people who need care and support but do not wish to live in a residential home. It can be available for those who wish to share with others or live on their own.  

Supported living can be included as an option in transition planning when moving from children’s to adult services and is available for individuals over the age of 18. 

Supported living enables people to live as independently as possible in the community. You may receive support with daily living activities and personal care ranging from a few hours a day to 24-hour support. 

If you think that you, a relative or someone you care for might need help in this way contact Care Connect on 01275 888801. 

When we first talk to you, we will listen carefully and won’t assume anything. We want to find out: 

• what matters to you today? 
• what can you do for yourself? 
• what your interests and skills are? 
• if you have family and friends locally? 
• what your concerns are and what do you want to achieve? 

We will ask who supports you with your life (family, friends, and neighbours) and we will find out what there is in your community to help you get on with your life independently. 

How the care and support is paid for 

If you are assessed to be eligible for social care support, then we will fund the care that is in your social care assessment. 

However you may need to pay a client contribution. Please see our paying for care webpages for more information.

How the accommodation is paid for 

Accommodation payments will be based on the individual’s circumstances. 

Usually if the tenant is eligible to Housing Benefit, this will cover the rent and some eligible service charges. It is important to remember that this is a case-by-case basis. 

For support, information, and advice regarding benefits and managing money, see the Citizens Advice Bureau. 

Supported living is part of the housing pathway, and not necessarily where people must remain throughout their lives. 

People are encouraged to achieve their aspirations rather than to fit in with whatever support is available. 

See our Housing Jigsaw website to find out what other housing options are available.

Please contact Care Connect on 01275 888801 to discuss any changes.

At a recent engagement day carried out with providers of supported living, the following video was created to highlight the benefits of supported living. This was made in partnership with people who live in supported living in North Somerset. 

If you have any questions about Supported Living please contact us via email.