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Domiciliary Care Office: 01206 583 743
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A Guide To Supported Living: Discover If It's the Right Care Service For You

12 July 2024

Finding the right living arrangement is crucial to maintaining quality of life, independence, and well-being. Supported living offers a unique blend of independence and assistance, tailored to meet the diverse needs of individuals requiring a specific level of care. This guide is designed to help you navigate the world of supported living, providing you with essential information about what it entails, the various services available, and the key factors to consider when determining if it’s the right choice for you or your loved one.

Defining Supported Living

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Supported living is a residential care option designed for individuals who require some assistance with daily activities while maintaining a level of independence. It offers a blend of housing, personal care, and supportive services, tailored to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities or chronic health conditions, such as acquired brain injuries. Supported living is regulated by the Care Quality Commission.

In a supported living environment, residents live in single occupancy or shared accommodation. They have access to various services, such as help with personal care, medication management, housekeeping, and social activities, all within a safe and supportive community setting. This type of living arrangement aims to enhance quality of life, foster independence, and provide peace of mind for both residents and their families.

In Essex, supported living services are primarily commissioned through the “Supported Living Framework”, which was procured in March 2021 by the Essex County Council (ECC). There are 137 care providers throughout Essex who have secured a place on the framework, although Essex County Council recognises that, due to growing demand, further investment is needed in supported living. Therefore, a replacement framework is currently being worked on ahead of March 2025.

What Are the Benefits of Supported Living?

Supported living offers numerous advantages to the service user, placing their needs at the heart of the service. Benefits of supported living include:

  • Personalised Care: Residents receive individualised care plans tailored to their specific needs, ensuring they get the right level of support for daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and medication management.
  • Social Engagement: Opportunities for social interaction through organised activities, communal dining, and trips away (abroad and in the UK) help reduce feelings of isolation and promote mental and emotional well-being.
  • Independence: While providing necessary support, these communities encourage residents to maintain as much independence as possible, promoting a sense of autonomy and self-esteem.
  • Holistic Well-Being: Supported living addresses not just physical health, but also emotional, social, and mental well-being through a variety of wellness programs and support services.
  • Peace of Mind for Families: Knowing that their loved ones are in a safe, supportive environment with professional care available provides significant peace of mind for families and caregivers.

Is Supported Living Right for You?

girl blowing flower

If you, or someone you know, is over the age of 18 and needs support in order to live completely independently, supported living may be a suitable option. Supported living is generally targeted towards those with physical disabilities and learning disabilities, chronic health conditions and mental health needs, offering the opportunity to live in accommodation with relevant support services to hand.

What Is the Difference Between Supported Living, Assisted Living and Residential Care?

Understanding the differences between supported living, assisted living, and residential care is essential for selecting the most appropriate care service. Each features a certain level of care staff intervention (i.e. how often carers are required to support the individual).

Supported living is designed for individuals who need minimal assistance with daily activities while maintaining their independence in single occupancy or shared apartments.

Assisted living offers a higher level of care, providing substantial help with personal care, health management, and daily tasks in a communal setting. Residents are accommodated in single or shared apartments.

Residential care provides the most intensive level of home care, suitable for individuals requiring continuous supervision and comprehensive assistance with daily activities, health services, and medication administration, typically in a facility with shared living spaces.

Tips for a Smooth Transition

Brown moving box

Transitioning from your regular home into supported living accommodation can be daunting at first, and the uncertainty of moving into somewhere new can create a feeling of anxiety. By following our top tips, you’ll gain a better understanding of how things work, aiming to help you relax as much as possible.

  1. Visit the Accommodation: Visit different available locations to see which one suits your needs the most. Pay attention to the environment, staff interactions, and available amenities.
  2. Involve Loved Ones: Include family members and close friends in the decision-making process. Their support and insights can be invaluable in choosing the right community and easing the transition.
  3. Plan Ahead: Start planning the move well in advance. Create a checklist of tasks, such as downsizing belongings, organising important documents, and arranging for transportation.
  4. Personalise Your Space: Bring personal items, such as photographs, favourite furniture, and keepsakes, to make the new living space feel like home. Familiar items can provide comfort and help with the adjustment.
  5. Stay Positive: Focus on the positive aspects of the move, such as new social opportunities and greater access to care. Maintaining a positive attitude can make the transition easier.
  6. Get to Know the Community: Participate in community activities and social events to meet other residents and staff. Building relationships early on can help create a sense of belonging and ease feelings of loneliness or anxiety.
  7. Communicate Your Needs: Be open with the staff about your preferences, routines, and any specific needs or concerns. Clear communication ensures that you receive personalised care and support.

How Much Does Supported Living Cost?

The cost of supported living in the UK can vary widely, based on factors such as location, level of care required, and the specific services and amenities offered by the facility. Standard supported living, which includes accommodation and essential support services, often ranges from £500 to £1,500 per week. However, costs can increase to between £1,500 and £3,000 per week for those requiring more comprehensive care and additional services.

What Funding Options Are Available?

Those residing in supported living have their own tenancy agreement, meaning they are responsible for their bills and other daily living costs. There are several benefits which can help cover the costs of accommodation payments, such as Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Attendance Allowance (AA), Housing Benefit/Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payments (PIP).

Supported Living in Essex - Our Locations

We endeavour to keep the availability of each of our supported living locations up to date. However, if your preferred location is currently showing as "Full", please contact us as we may be aware of forthcoming availability, or we can discuss if one of our other homes or care services in Essex may suit your needs. Below is a list of our current locations and real-time availability:

101 London Road
Colchester
Essex
CO3 9AW
99 London Road
Colchester
Essex
CO3 9AN
Availability
Conifers, Harriets Farm
Church Street
Bocking, Braintree
CM7 5LH
Availability
Little Acorn
Fairy Hall Lane
Rayne, Braintree
CM77 6SZ

For Quality Supported Living Services, Choose Butterfly’s

At Butterfly’s, we offer excellent supported living services for residents in Essex to help you retain your independence whilst receiving necessary care. Give our team a call today on 01206 866 252 for a friendly, no obligation chat to discuss your specific needs.

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Butterfly's Care Homes Ltd
3 Bromley Road
Colchester
Essex
CO4 3JE

Main Office:
01206 866 252

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01206 583 743

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