Frequently asked questions about supported living shared housing

When choosing the right place to live, it’s essential that your loved one feels comfortable and confident in their surroundings. At Lifeways, we offer a wide range of accommodation, including shared housing and self-contained apartments, as part of our supported living services across the UK.

In this guide, we sit down with Michaela Butterworth, Head Of Assessment & Referrals, to discuss some of our most frequently asked questions about supported living and shared housing. 

In this type of housing, people share communal areas (like kitchens and bathrooms) but also have their own bedrooms. Support workers offer assistance  with daily tasks, personal care, and other needs, promoting a sense of community and independence. 

Looking for further information about what shared housing and supported living are? View our supported living services guide today.

Q. What is supported living?

A. Supported living is a type of housing arrangement that provides personal care and support to individuals, enabling them to live in their own homes and achieve as much independence as possible. It offers a balance between independent living and access to help when needed. 

Q. How does shared housing work with supported living?

A. Shared housing within a supported living scheme provides a way for individuals with support needs to live together in a shared house, while also receiving individualised support from staff. 

Supported living focuses on helping individuals live independently in the community by providing personalised care and support tailored to their specific needs. 

Q. Who is a shared house best suited for?

A. Shared housing is suitable for everyone and offers numerous benefits for leading a fulfilling and more independent life, especially for those seeking a family-home feel.

Paul's shared housing and supported living story

Paul moved into a supported living shared house with two other people after spending six months in a respite centre. 

“Immediately we knew this was a home of happiness, care and kindness,” said his aunt, Bev. “We knew Paul would be happy there, and we were right. He is happy, content and growing in confidence every day.”

Continue to learn more about how Paul, whom we support in our Doncaster supported living service, is thriving. 

Q. Does everyone in the shared house share a care support team?

A. A shared house will typically have one support worker supporting multiple housemates at once. In addition to this, everyone will receive dedicated one-to-one hours tailored to their specific needs.

This approach enables housemates to spend time together enjoying day-to-day activities and shared interests, while also ensuring each individual gets independent time with their support team.

Q. How is the space in a shared house split between housemates?

A. In a shared house, everyone has their own bedroom, which serves as their personal space. The kitchen, living rooms, garden, and other communal areas (which can include sensory rooms and additional living rooms) are shared. Most of our shared houses come with shared bathrooms, some have en-suites, and some offer both. 

Alisha's shared housing and supported living story

Alisha enjoys spending time with her housemates in the supported living shared house where she lives. “We sometimes do theme nights and group dinners,” she says. “It feels like a homely, friendly environment.”

Discover how Alisha made the move from college to a Lifeways supported living service by reading our blog. 

Q. How to split rent in a shared house

A. In supported living shared houses, rent is typically split based on the individual's own tenancy agreement and their specific needs.

The cost of utilities and council tax is often split, as in a standard shared house. 

If you’re worried about the financial side of things, Lifeways can help work through these things with you. Read our guide to social care funding here. 

Q. How many people typically live in a shared house?

A. Our shared houses tend to have anywhere between two and six housemates, depending on the number of bedrooms. We carefully consider the compatibility and support needs of the people we support during the referral process to ensure everyone lives in a happy environment where friendships can flourish.

Q. Supported living in shared housing: Nic and Kes's friendship story

Nic and Kes, who live in one of our shared houses in Edinburgh, found friendship in their shared love of Disney. With the encouragement from their support team, they were able to arrange a trip to Disneyland Paris together.

Read Nic and Kes’s story here.

Q. Can we decorate a shared house?

A. Yes - in fact, personalising bedrooms is something we encourage. Whether that’s artwork or photographs on the wall, ornaments and keepsakes to decorate the shelves, or a collection of video games, we know that it’s these personal touches that are important to helping people settle into their new home.

When it comes to the communal areas of the house, such as the hallways or kitchen, we request that housemates are considerate and check with others before painting or decorating.

Q. Can friends and relatives visit the shared house?

A. Absolutely! Once your loved one has moved in, friends and family are welcome to visit at any time. If you’d like to speak to a member of the support team during your visit, it’s best to check their availability before you arrive.

Q. Are pets allowed in a shared house?

A. Many people in our shared houses have pets. It’s essential to check the tenancy agreement with the landlord before making any arrangements, and with other housemates to make sure there aren’t any allergies or fears.

Q. Supported shared housing near you

To find out more about shared housing or the support Lifeways provides, please get in touch with our friendly team or start your search to find support near you.