Supported living schemes

These are smaller, shared living schemes, averaging around 4 to 5 places, often in normal housing. They are typically for younger people with a learning or physical disability who want to live independently, but with support from a care and support provider.

Each occupant will hold an individual tenancy agreement with the landlord, who is usually a housing association or a private landlord. Care and support will be provided either from an on-site care company or purchased using a direct payment or personal budget.

Common features of supported living schemes include:

• a mixture of their own self-contained accommodation and some shared communal facilities such as a lounge and bathroom
• the support and care provider has staff on site. In some cases this may be up to 24-hours each day, to assist with day to day support and personal care tasks usually as part of an individual care plan
• an individual, or group of individuals, may use a direct payment or personal budget to employ their own care staff

Costs

• These will include care costs, rental charges, and council tax.
• Some costs, such as utility bills and upkeep of communal areas, are shared between the tenants. These costs are often covered by the benefits that individuals receive.