How do Lifeways support those with complex learning disabilities?

Those living with complex learning disabilities often need additional support and assistance with their day-to-day life. At Lifeways, we offer both residential care and supported living options for people with complex needs, empowering individuals to lead happy, fulfilling, and more independent lives. Both approaches are crucial in enabling people with complex learning disabilities to lead fulfilling lives with as much independence as possible.

What are complex learning disabilities?

Complex learning disabilities refer to a range of difficulties that affect the way a person understands, processes, and retains information. 

These disabilities often involve multiple areas of brain function and may manifest as a combination of intellectual, sensory, motor, and emotional or behavioural challenges. 

For example, a person might experience difficulties with language processing, memory, attention, problem-solving, and social interaction simultaneously. This complexity can make learning, communication, and everyday functioning extremely testing. 

Individuals with complex learning disabilities might also have additional neurological or developmental conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder or ADHD.

Does my loved one have a complex learning disability or complex needs?

Not everyone with complex needs has a learning disability, but all people with complex learning disabilities do have complex needs. "Complex needs" is a broad term for people who have more than one condition or challenge that needs support. This can include those with complex learning disabilities, as well as people with physical disabilities, mental health issues, long-term medical conditions, or neurodivergent conditions like autism or ADHD.

Having complex needs doesn't always mean a person has a learning disability. For example, someone might have complex physical health needs and no learning disability at all.

Karen Roberts, Lifeways’ Group Head of Health and Clinical Governance chatted to us on an episode of ‘Yes to You’ - the Lifeways social care podcast, about supporting people living with multiple complex needs.

“Complex needs can mean a number of things. It could be people who display behaviours, but it also means people who’ve got complex health needs. 

They could have diabetes, they could have epilepsy. So we support them with a range of needs. So they often have a primary diagnosis which could be learning disabilities, mental health, acquired brain injury and then they have a number of other associated conditions or diseases with that condition.”

Complex learning disabilities in adults 

Complex learning disabilities in adults are often multifaceted and can significantly impact various aspects of an individual's life, including education, employment, social interactions, and daily living skills. These disabilities continue from childhood into adulthood, but the challenges may evolve over time. 

Adults with complex learning disabilities may face difficulties in processing and retaining new information, problem-solving, organising tasks, and communicating effectively with others. We work with individuals on their gifts and talents, focusing on their strengths and helping them harness these.

Residential care for people living with complex learning disabilities 

Residential care is suitable for adults who require daily support for their complex conditions. At Lifeways, both accommodation and 24/7 support are provided as part of residential care, with specially adapted locations that create safe and welcoming environments. 

Residential locations tend to be communal-living homes, with team members on hand to support all residents and their support needs. The communal-living style of accommodation also brings benefits, as it means there are always like-minded people around to spend quality time with. We see lots of friendships and confidence grow at Lifeways, with the people we support enjoying time together with shared interests and day trips. 

Each person will have their own bedroom (and often an ensuite bathroom), and will share the communal areas of the property, such as the kitchen, dining, and living room, with the other residents. This arrangement ensures each individual has their own privacy when they need it, whilst also providing the opportunity to socialise and spend time with others.

Read Paul and Julian’s story to see how a shared love of gardening has created a blossoming friendship.

What does Lifeway’s 24/7 support include?

Having a specialist team available 24/7 means individuals always have the right level of support to suit their needs. The type of support provided will vary from person to person, but it can include everyday tasks such as personal care, medication, and help with household chores, as well as empowering people to enjoy their favourite hobbies and activities and spend more time in their local community.

As Tracy Halford, manager of one of our residential care locations, explains, “We start by finding out what a person’s skill base is, what they want to do in the future, and what skills they want to learn. Some people might need help with their social skills, some with budgeting. It’s about finding out what they want to do, and how we’re going to get them there - and our support is always bespoke to each individual”.

Supported living for people living with complex learning disabilities 

Supported living is a good option for those living with complex conditions, but who would prefer the privacy of their own homes in the community, whilst being supported to increase or maintain their level of independence.

Supported living can help individuals boost their confidence, as they’re empowered to enjoy hobbies and activities, while making their own choices and decisions. As is the case with residential care, those in supported living have the emotional and physical support on hand whenever it is needed.

How do we care for people with complex learning disabilities?

At Lifeways, the level of support we offer is tailored to each individual based on their unique needs and ambitions. Whether residential care or supported living is more suited to an individual, our person-centred support ensures everyone has the opportunity to lead a fulfilling life, learn new skills, make new friends and increase independence. 

How do we utilise technology to provide care for those with complex needs?

Assistive technology plays a big part in supporting those with additional needs. Some of our accommodations are fitted with specialist technology to enable individuals to remain independent and safe. These can include automatic lights and smart technology to help with switching off cookers, managing security, and maintaining bills for electricity and gas.

In 2023 we switched to a digitalised care management system called Nourish, which provides colleagues with a central place to record care and support, whilst providing access to critical information on the go, removing paperwork from our services and freeing up our teams to do what they do best- delivering exceptional support. Our implementation of Nourish saw us win the Best Use of Care Management Software at the Care Home Awards 2025.

We work with landlords to ensure that each of our homes have been carefully designed to keep the people we support safe and comfortable while helping them to build new skills. This includes things like ceiling track hoists, wet rooms, sensory rooms and accessible access.

Tom’s story - life in supported living

Tom had always wanted to experience supported living, and so when an opportunity came up with Lifeways, he was very excited to move in.

“When I was given the keys for the first time, it’s like I was in a different world. I finally believed I was doing it. I had the keys to my own home,” he said. “My life has changed in so many ways I didn’t expect.”

Tom's Story from The Lifeways Group on Vimeo.

How does Lifeways support people living with complex learning disabilities in your area?

Here at Lifeways, we have residential care and supported living locations across the UK in the heart of communities, both in city and rural settings. We understand how important it is to choose the right location, and so as part of the move-in process, we encourage visits to look around potential options and to meet the team and current residents.

If you think residential care or supported living could be right for your loved one, you will need to first contact your local authority, which will carry out an assessment to determine if residential care is the most suitable option. Find out about the pathway to supported living for families here.

If you’d like to learn more about Lifeways' support, please contact us today. One of our friendly team members will be happy to help.