About supported living
Supported living, which is sometimes known as assisted living, is a flexible and empowering approach to enable individuals with learning disabilities, autism, or other support needs to live as independently as possible while receiving the right level of assistance to meet their personal goals. Unlike traditional care settings, supported living offers the chance for individuals to have greater control over their daily lives, maintain their own home, and participate in their community as they choose.
Types of supported living
Supported living is designed to meet a wide range of individual needs and preferences, offering different types of support depending on what suits each person best:
- Shared Living with Support Staff: In shared living arrangements, individuals share a home with others while receiving support from dedicated staff. This is ideal for people who enjoy the companionship of a shared environment while still receiving the guidance and assistance they need.
- Independent Housing with Back-Up Support: Independent housing options allow individuals to live on their own while having access to comprehensive support whenever it’s needed. This offers more autonomy over day-to-day life, with the security of knowing that help is readily available.
- Accommodation with Support: For those who may benefit from more regular assistance, supported accommodation provides a secure setting with staff available to help with daily activities. This type of living arrangement strikes a balance between independence and the need for structured support.
- Shared Lives: Shared Lives matches individuals with carefully selected carers who welcome them into their own family home, creating a supportive, family-style environment. This arrangement encourages meaningful connections and offers a sense of belonging within a family network.
Eligibility for supported living depends on the local council and may include being over 18, being eligible under the Care Act 2014, and having a care and support need.
Camphill Village Trust's supported living offer
At Camphill Village Trust, we enable adults with learning disabilities and other support needs to live meaningful, independent lives through our supported living services. Our range of options includes shared living with support staff, independent housing with back-up support, and accommodation with support. For those in the West Midlands, we also offer our Shared Lives scheme—a unique model where individuals live with carefully matched carers in a family-style home environment.
Our dedicated teams are here to support each person’s journey towards greater independence, ensuring they have the resources and community connections they need to thrive in a setting that feels like home.
