For many adults with a learning disability, autism, a physical disability or a mental health condition, the goal isn’t to be looked after — it’s to live their own life, their own way, with the right support behind them. That’s exactly what supported living is designed to do.
But what is supported living, how does it differ from a care home, and who is it for? This guide explains everything you need to know.
What is supported living?
Supported living is a model of care where a person lives in their own home — alone, with a partner, or sharing with others — and receives the support they need to live as independently as possible. The person holds their own tenancy and stays in control of their daily life, while trained support workers help with the things they find difficult.
Crucially, the housing and the support are separate: you don’t lose your support if your housing changes, and you don’t lose your home if your support needs change.
Supported living vs residential care: what’s the difference?
This is the question families ask most often. The key distinction is control and independence:
- In residential care, the home sets the routine — mealtimes, activities and rules are shared.
- In supported living, you’re in charge. You choose when to get up, what to eat, who visits and how you spend your day — with support shaped around your choices.
Supported living promotes skills, confidence and community involvement rather than simply providing care.
Who is supported living for?
Supported living can be a great fit for adults who want to live independently but need some help to do so safely, including people with:
- Learning disabilities or autism
- Physical disabilities
- Mental health conditions
- Acquired brain injuries
- Long-term conditions that affect daily living
What support is provided?
Support is tailored to each person and can include:
- Daily living skills — cooking, cleaning, laundry and shopping
- Managing money and bills — building budgeting confidence
- Health and medication — appointments, prescriptions and wellbeing
- Accessing the community — work, education, hobbies and social activities
- Building independence — learning new skills to rely on support less over time
- Emotional support — a consistent, encouraging presence
Support can range from a few hours a week to 24-hour cover, depending on individual needs — and it’s reviewed regularly so it always matches the person’s goals.
The Mindset Social Care approach to supported living
We believe support should help people grow, not just get by. Our supported living service is built on:
- Person-centred planning — goals and choices come from the individual, every time.
- Carefully matched support workers — chosen for compatibility and companionship.
- Skilled, well-trained teams — backed by our accredited training.
- CQC-registered quality (reference 1-9144765098) — independently assured safety and standards.
Frequently asked questions
Is supported living the same as a care home?
No. In supported living you have your own tenancy and stay in control of your daily life; a care home provides a shared, managed environment.
Who pays for supported living?
Funding may come through your local authority, NHS, or be privately arranged. We can help you understand the options.
Can supported living change over time?
Yes — support is reviewed regularly and can increase or reduce as a person’s independence and needs change.
Discover supported living in Nottingham & Cambridge
If you or someone you care about wants to live more independently with the right support, we’d love to talk it through. We offer supported living across Nottingham, Cambridge and the surrounding areas.
📞 Call 01157 860 399 or get in touch online to learn how supported living with Mindset Social Care could work for you in Nottingham or Cambridge.
