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What is supported living?

If your loved one needs some help to live independently but does not require the round-the-clock care of a residential home, supported living could be exactly the right fit.

What is supported living? - Almond Care

What is supported living?

If your loved one needs some help to live independently but does not require the round-the-clock care of a residential home, supported living could be exactly the right fit.

Supported living is an arrangement that gives people the freedom and privacy of their own home alongside personalised support that fits around their life, their routines and their goals.

A home that truly belongs to them

We believe that where someone lives has a profound effect on how they feel about themselves and the life they lead. That is why we place enormous importance on finding accommodation that feels right — not just practically, but personally.

We work closely with housing associations and property developers to source houses, apartments and bungalows that are thoughtfully designed to complement the support we provide.

Some properties are fitted with assistive technology, and all are chosen with an eye on comfort, safety and the potential for growth and greater independence over time.

Where needed, we can also help your family member navigate tenancy agreements, giving them the legal security of a home they can call their own.

Finding the right fit

No two people are the same and no two supported living arrangements should be either.

Before we make any recommendations, we take the time to understand each person’s unique needs and preferences.

This means looking at the right location, the right type of accommodation and any adaptations that might be needed now or further down the line.

For people living with autism or a learning disability, consistency and predictability in daily life can make a significant difference to wellbeing.

We work with individuals to understand their routines and, where they are living in a shared property, to ensure those routines are compatible with others in the home.

Flexible to your needs

Some people thrive in the company of others, while others prefer their own space.

Where someone would like to share their home, we take care to find compatible housemates – people with similar lifestyles, interests and outlooks – so that the shared experience is positive.

All of our supported living homes are located within local communities, with easy access to shops, leisure facilities, green spaces and public transport.

Being part of a community matters, and we make sure it is not just a possibility but a lived reality for the people we support.

Supported living is not about fitting someone into a service. It is about building a life around the person.

How does our supported living process work?

We know that exploring supported living for the first time can feel daunting. There are assessments to arrange, funding to secure and a lot of decisions to make at what is often already a stressful time for families.

At Almond Care, we aim to make every step of this process as clear and as supported as possible.

Here is what the journey typically looks like:

  • Get a needs assessment
    Before anything else, your loved one will need a formal needs assessment carried out by their social worker. This identifies the level and type of support required and helps determine whether supported living or residential care is the more appropriate option. If you do not have a social worker in place, contact your local council or GP and they will point you in the right direction.
  • Get in touch with Almond Care
    Once funding and support have been agreed in principle, reach out to us. One of our referral managers will contact you promptly to begin the conversation.
  • We get to know your loved one
    We will arrange an in-person visit to learn about your family member as an individual, their current situation, the support they need day-to-day and what they would like their life to look like in the short, medium and long term. This is not a tick-box exercise. It is the foundation of everything we do.
  • We explore the right choice for them
    Based on what we have learned, we will shortlist suitable supported living options in your chosen area and arrange visits so your loved one, and you, can see the properties, meet the team and ask any questions.
  • We prepare a support and funding proposal
    We will put together a detailed proposal and submit it to the relevant local council for funding approval, keeping you updated throughout the process.
  • Moving in with full support
    Once funding is confirmed, we agree a move-in date and support your loved one through every stage of the transition, however long that takes.Whether they are moving from a previous care arrangement, making the step from children to adult services, or moving out of the family home for the first time, we will be with them every step of the way.

Ready to get started?

You do not need to have all the answers before you speak to us. We are here to help you find them.

If you would like to talk through your loved one’s situation before starting the formal process, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

We are always happy to have an informal conversation with families at any stage.