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At 1 Step Beyond Support, we believe in empowering people to live independently in their own homes, with the right level of support.

Access our Supported Living Guide

From how we support individuals to make their own choices, to how we collaborate with families to ensure everyones needs are met. We understand that this is a big decision for anyone looking for themselves or on behalf of loved ones, and we’re here to provide clarity on what supported living is and how it differs from traditional care settings like residential care homes.

What is supported living?

Supported living is designed for people who want to live as independently as possible but may need a little extra help to do so. At 1 Step Beyond Support, we don’t provide “care” in the traditional sense we offer support tailored to the individual’s specific needs. This means that while we’re here to help with day-to-day tasks, decision-making, and navigating life’s challenges, the individual remains firmly in control of their own life.

Supported living can be arranged in different types of homes to suit individual needs and preferences. Some people might live in a home all to themselves and have their own private space. Alternatively, some people could choose to live in a shared home with other people. In a shared home, each tenant has their own bedroom and usually their own bathroom, but there are also shared areas, like the kitchen and living room, where everyone can spend time together. Whether a solo home or a shared home our Focus is on making sure people feel comfortable and supported.

Empowering Individuals

Independence

Supported living allows individuals to manage their own homes, make choices about their lives, and live on their own terms. We work closely with them to ensure they have the tools, confidence, and support necessary to maintain this independence.

Decision Making

Each person we support is encouraged and empowered to make their own decisions, whether it’s about their daily routine, who they spend time with, or how they manage their finances. Our team is there to assist where needed, but the choices remain with the individual wherever possible.

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Individual Needs

We understand that no two people are the same. The support we provide is always tailored to the individual’s specific needs, whether they require help managing a condition like diabetes, epilepsy, or assistance with daily tasks like budgeting or meal preparation.

The key differences between Supported Living and Care Homes

Choice and Control

With Supported Living the individual has control over their own life. They choose their home, how they live and who they spend time with. We support them to make informed choices, but they remain the decision-maker.

In a residential care home, decisions are often made by the staff or management with less flexibility for the Individual. The environment is shared and routines are generally set by the care home.

Support. Not Care.

With Supported Living we provide support that’s responsive to the person’s needs without taking over. Whether it’s help with managing medication, attending appointments or budgeting, we adapt our approach to what is needed at any given time.

In residential settings, care is often comprehensive and provided around the clock, whether or not the individual needs such constant intervention.

Housing Security

Supported Living: The individual will have a tenancy agreement for their own home. If they are able to, they will sign this themselves. If they need any more help this will be arranged In collaboration with their support network. This gives them security and legal rights as a tenant, just like any other renter. They have the freedom to decorate and personalise their space, invite guests, and make it truly their home. This tenancy gives them the right to stay in their home as long as they wish, provided they adhere to the tenancy terms, such as paying rent.

In a residential care home, the individual doesn’t have a tenancy. Instead they have a room in a facility where accommodation and care are combined into a single package. Their housing is tied to the care service, and they may need to move if their care needs change or if they choose a different service provider.

Family Involvement

While independence is at the heart of supported living, we also understand that family involvement can play a crucial role. The level of family involvement is entirely up to the individual. For some, families may be closely involved in day-to-day decisions, while others may be able and prefer to handle things on their own, with only occasional family input. Our team works closely with both the individual and their family to ensure that everyone is comfortable with the involvement.

Funding Differences

In supported living, funding for the home (rent and utilities) and support are kept separate. The rent can often be covered by housing benefits, depending on eligibility. Support costs may be covered by personal budgets, local authority funding, or direct payments. This separation allows individuals to stay in their home, even if their support provider changes, giving them more control over their living situation.

In a residential care home, the cost of accommodation and care is typically bundled together into one fee. This can be more expensive and inflexible, as Individuals pay for full-time care, regardless of how much support they actually need.

1 Step Beyond

Way better support.

  • What we do?
  • Our Services
  • Supported Living
  • Get in touch!
  • Join the team
  • Easy read

info@1stepbeyondsupport.co.uk

Harance House,

Rumer Hill Business Estate,

Rumer Hill Road,

Cannock,

Staffordshire,

WS11 0ET.

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