Young people with learning disabilities should be able to choose:
- where to live
- who to live with
There are important things that need to be considered and put in place, so that you and your family can plan for the right housing option as you move into adult life.
These may include:
- home ownership
- shared ownership
- private sector renting
- homeshare
- public sector renting
Supported housing
Supported housing is accommodation and support provided by organisations with expertise in supporting people to improve their life skills and opportunities.
Support includes:
- assessment of ongoing care needs
- hands-on care and practical assistance
- skills training
- escort to community settings
- advice and support
Supported housing referrals
You'll need to first make a referral for supported housing through your care management team. They will assess what type of accommodation is most suitable.
Floating support
Our learning disability team provides a 'floating support' service for people over 18 who have learning disabilities.
It is offered to residents with learning disabilities living in their own homes. It allows you to gain skills and confidence to improve and develop skills and to maintain their independence.
Find out more about housing floating support services.
Living independently
If you are able to live independently, you can apply for ‘general needs housing’.
Our housing department will assess if you are a high priority. If you are a high priority, you can join the housing register.
Homeshare scheme
A homeshare scheme is when a younger or more able adult lives with an adult with disabilities as a lodger.
The lodger (homesharer) either lives for free or pays a reduced rent. In return they offer a few hours of their time each week to help the householder with tasks around the house.
Homesharers are able to help with tasks like:
- shopping
- housework
- gardening
- preparing food
- providing companionship
However they are not professional care workers so they aren't able to help with personal care or administering medications.
Find out more about what is homeshare on the Homeshare UK website.
Find a homeshare scheme
There are a number of organisations who can help you if you want to join a homeshare scheme, including:
- Novus Homeshare
- The Good Care Group
- Share & Care Homeshare
- Supportmatch Homeshare Service
- CareAid
- Lightshare
You can also search for homeshare schemes on the Homeshare UK website.
Shared lives schemes
Shared lives schemes support adults with learning disabilities, mental health problems or other needs that make it harder for them to live on their own.
The schemes match someone who needs care with an approved carer. The carer shares their family and community life, and gives care and support to the person with care needs.