Supported living

What supported living is

Supported living helps people with support needs live independently in their local community.

There are different types of supported living home. Some supported living may be in a complex of flats where each person has their own front door. However, some supported living may involve sharing a home or flat with 2 or more people with similar needs. You may share a kitchen, bathroom or communal areas, but you will have your own bedroom.

There may be staff on site at all times, or the support staff may visit regularly to help with specific tasks. In supported living accommodation, the housing provider and support provider are separate.

You can look at some  photographs of typical properties available from Sovereign Housing [877KB] .
 

What support you get

You will have an individual support and care plan that will explain how you will get support. Support is focused on helping you to increase and/or maintain your independent living skills. If you have housemates, you will need to share the responsibilities like cooking, cleaning and paying the bills.
 

Mental health supported accommodation

For West Berkshire residents experiencing severe and enduring mental health issues, Sovereign Housing and Waythrough offer supported living accommodation.

Is supported living the best option for you

Choosing where you live and how you get care and support will be personal to you, as everyone has different needs. 

If you find it difficult to manage living at home, there are many ways you can get help. For example, you may be able to adapt your home, or get equipment to help you. Or, you may be able to get care at home. Find out more on our support at home and in the community pages.

If staying at home is no longer the best option, supported living accommodation may be right for you. Or, you may want to look at our Shared Lives Scheme where you can live with a shared lives carer. If you are older, you may want to find out more about supported housing or extra care housing, where you have your own accommodation but support on-site. See our care and support housing options page for more information.

If you're interested in supported living

If you think supported living might be right for you, we will first need to complete an assessment of your needs to see if you are eligible.

You can contact Adult Social Care or use our Adult Social Care online enquiry form to request an assessment. Or, you can contact us to discuss your options and get advice.

You can find details of local supported living schemes on the West Berkshire Directory.