Supported Living For Loved Ones: Important Questions To Ask

Whether you’re considering support for someone leaving home for the first time, moving from another supported living location, or simply seeking greater independence, we’ve shared our suggestions on the most important things to think about and discuss as a family.

Supported living locations near me

Finding the right location for your loved one is key to helping them live with greater independence. 

Many of the people we support choose to live close to friends and family, but others have taken the opportunity to discover a new town or city, sometimes moving closer to favourite places such as the coast.

Lifeways has locations across the UK, and we do everything we can to ensure that we place individuals as close to their preferred location as possible. 

Learn more about the types of supported living locations available at Lifeways by clicking here to find support in your area.

Moving in checklist questions

• What local amenities are essential for your loved one to be close to? For example, they may like to go to the cinema or swim regularly.
• How does your loved one get out and about? Would they need parking or to be close to public transport links?
• Would it be beneficial for your loved one to be close to any local groups or community centres that they are / would like to be involved in?

Which type of supported living environment 

Supported living offers many choices regarding living environments, whether that’s the type of accommodation (at Lifeways, we provide shared houses and self-contained apartments), the number of housemates, or additional features such as assistive technology or wet room-style bathrooms. 

There will also naturally be different atmospheres in each supported living home—some are more lively and sociable, and others are more relaxed and peaceful.

Understanding your loved ones care needs 

As part of the process, your social worker and supported living provider will spend time understanding your loved one’s care needs and preferences to find the right supported living location for them. So it’s good to think beforehand about what’s important to them.

Supported living shared housing

Shared housing suits those happy to share their living space with housemates and prefer to have others around them. 

We constantly endeavour to match each person with like-minded people to ensure they are compatible housemates and will be happy living together.

Find out more about shared housing by reading our article discussing frequently asked questions about supported living shared housing.

Supported living self-contained apartments

For those who’d prefer more of their own space, our self-contained apartments still have communal areas for people to socialise in. 

Still, there’s much more opportunity for alone time and independent living, with the Lifeways team on hand to help with anything your loved one might need.

Questions to think about when choosing the right supported living environment:

• Would they prefer to live with housemates or have a more independent setting?
• Would they be best suited to a lively, social environment, or a quieter, more peaceful setting?

Adam's supported living story

Adam grew in confidence after moving into South Drive, a purpose-built supported living service outside Liverpool. Before the move, Adam lived in his own flat with little support and didn’t feel safe or happy.

“I am not isolated as I was before. This is because of the support the Lifeways team has given me. When I’m unsure of issues such as dealing with letters and bills, staff are on hand to offer me help,” Adam said.

Read the full article to get to know Adam and his story at Lifeways. 

Personalised care adaptions

Is there anything that will make your loved one feel safe, more independent and confident in their home?

Some people require adaptations to their homes to live safely, comfortably, and with greater independence.

Accessibility
When it comes to the property itself, your loved one may require level access, a wet room-style bathroom, or access to lower-level work surfaces. At Lifeways, many of our locations have already been, or can be, adapted with assistive technology to meet individual needs.

Care needs assessment 
Ahead of your conversation with your social worker, note down any additional support that your loved one may require, such as guidance with paying bills, cooking, or taking public transport. This will all be considered when building their personalised care needs assessment.

Health and wellbeing needs

How could supported living enable your loved one to lead a fulfilling life?

At Lifeways, we support and encourage everyone to enjoy spending time the way they choose. Knowing their likes, interests, and aspirations helps us shape our supported living support around them.

Think about their everyday life and the things that make them happy. It might be a daily walk, playing football, knitting, visiting the local shops, or volunteering. You might also have specific goals your loved one is / would like to work towards, such as learning to cook, travelling on public transport alone, or meeting new people - whatever they may be, it’s good to discuss these goals as something to work towards once your loved one has settled into their new home.

It’s also good to consider any ‘deal breakers’, such as whether they’d be comfortable with pets in the home because of an allergy or fear.

Learn more about us by reading our purpose, vision, mission and values page. 

Future goals

Moving on to more independent living is an exciting next chapter in your loved one’s life. Still, we understand it can come with worries or concerns about ‘letting go’ of the responsibility. 

It’s therefore good to think about your loved one’s future, and where you’d like to see them in five or ten years, which should help you shape any questions you might have for your social worker or supported living provider.

Beattie's supported living story

Beattie moved into her own flat in North Walsham, and despite her parents' initial concerns, they were also filled with a great deal of hope.

Beattie’s mum, Maxine, said, “Beattie got to choose her flat, and Tristan (the Manager at St Thomas House) was available to talk through anything we needed to know, and kept in touch with us through the process.”

“Beattie is just so much happier here. She’s developing her life skills, including cleaning, washing up, and everything you think your child will never do. So many other young people could benefit from this kind of place.”

Wondering how else Lifeways have supported Beattie? Read our article today.
 

Next steps to finding the right care services for your loved one

If and when you decide it's time for your loved one to move towards greater independence, our friendly team will be on hand to help you every step of the way. 

Whether you’re ready to take the next step or you’d just like to ask a few questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our helpful team.