Whether you’re moving out of your parent’s home for the first time or are already living independently but feel you could use extra support to enjoy a better quality of life, supported living empowers people with autism to live enriched and fulfilling lives filled with choice and independence.
Supported living gives individuals with a range of support needs the opportunity to gain greater independence but still benefit from the support of skilled and knowledgeable staff. This creates an inclusive and enriching environment where people can try new hobbies and experiences, learn new life skills and reach their goals.
At Liaise, we provide supported living services where people with autism or varied needs can thrive. Learn more about supported living for autism, who it supports and its many life-changing benefits.
What is Supported Living for Autism?
Supported living is a service that allows people living with autism, learning disabilities or other complex care needs to live as independently as possible in their own homes, alone or with other people. A care provider like Liaise offers round-the-clock support and guidance, so people in supported living can live with the reassurance that extra physical and emotional support is always available.
Unlike residential care homes, supported living provides the people who live there with individual tenancies. This allows people to have a home of their own while enjoying greater independence and control over their own environment. The house itself is often provided through a specialist landlord while the individual support is offered by a care provider like Liaise.
Learn more about supported living services from Liaise.
What’s Included in Supported Living?
Supported living offers many comprehensive services and assistance designed to cater to the diverse and unique needs of individuals. Some of the services you might find in supported living packages include:
- Personalised Support Plans: Individualised plans that cater to the unique needs, preferences, and goals of each resident.
- Accommodation: Safe, comfortable living spaces tailored to sensory needs and personal preferences.
- Daily Living Assistance: Support with activities of daily living, including personal hygiene, meal preparation, and household chores.
- Communication Skills: Support in enhancing communication skills and fostering effective interaction.
- Skill Development: Opportunities to learn and practice essential life skills, such as cooking, budgeting, and self-care.
- Social Inclusion: Support in fostering social interactions and building relationships within the community.
- Recreation and Leisure: Engagement in recreational and leisure activities tailored to individual interests.
- Emotional and Behavioural Support: Strategies to manage emotions, reduce anxiety, and address challenging behaviours.
- Community Integration: Participation in community events, outings, and activities to promote social engagement.
- Vocational Training: Support in exploring and pursuing vocational or educational opportunities.
- Family Involvement: Inclusion of family members and caregivers in decision-making and planning processes.
- Safety and Supervision: Ensuring a safe environment through supervision and support.
- Advocacy and Rights: Assistance in understanding and exercising personal rights and advocating for needs.
- Crisis Management: Plans in place to address crisis situations and emergencies.
What are the Benefits of Supported Living for Autism?
Supported living provides numerous benefits for people with autism or other complex needs, including:
- Greater Independence: Helping people develop the skills they need to live more independently, such as learning to cook and meal plan or do laundry.
- Choice: Enjoy more choice and control over their lives, including decisions about their daily routines, activities, and social interactions.
- Safety: Providing a safe and secure environment, with staff on hand to help them navigate any challenges.
- Socialisation: Opportunities to socialise with others and build friendships.
- Skill-building: People in supported living homes can receive support to develop new skills and pursue their interests.
- Community Integration: Helping people to become more integrated into their local communities, through volunteering, education, and employment opportunities.
- Family Support: Families enjoy peace of mind knowing that their loved one is being well-cared for in a supportive and nurturing environment.
What to Look For in Supported Living for Autism
Several key factors warrant careful consideration to ensure the supported living accommodation you choose fosters well-being and personal growth.
First and foremost, a person-centered approach should be at the forefront, where individualised support plans are tailored to each individual’s unique needs, preferences, and goals. This approach acknowledges the diversity within the autism spectrum and ensures that every individual receives personalised care that resonates with their personality and goals.
People with autism and their families should also prioritise programmes that emphasise skill development and social integration. Support services that offer daily activity programs tailored to each individual’s interests and strengths can play a pivotal role in enhancing life skills, independence, and overall engagement for people with autism.
A strong focus on communication skills, emotional well-being, and positive behavioural management is essential to ensure that residents have the tools to navigate various social scenarios and cope with potential challenges. By carefully evaluating these aspects, people with autism can find supported living arrangements that nurture their growth and enrich their quality of life.
To learn more, take a look at our guide on the 6 things to consider when choosing supported living.
Our Supported Living Services for Autism
Daily Activity Programmes Tailored to Each Individual
Every individual’s journey is unique, which is why our daily activity programs are tailored to the abilities and goals of each resident. By addressing specific interests, strengths, and developmental requirements, we foster an environment where personal growth and engagement flourish.
Some of the people we support want to learn new independent living skills, build meaningful relationships or take the first step towards employment or volunteer opportunities. Whatever their personal goals and ambitions may be, our dedicated staff is there to provide friendly encouragement and support on their journey to greater independence.
Personalised Support Packages
We know through years of experience that generalised support plans simply don’t work. By recognising that people are not all the same and celebrating these differences, we create individual support plans tailored to the unique personality and goals of each person we support.
Working closely with each individual, we create bespoke support plans that reflect the history, current situation and future goals and ambitions of each individual. Once our support plan is in place, we regularly review them in partnership with the individual to ensure we are always meeting our shared goals. Where appropriate, we welcome input from families, friends and advocates.
We work closely in partnership with local authorities, healthcare associations and registered housing providers to ensure we’re always delivering sector-leading care.
Our Quality Standards
We’re very proud of the high levels of support we provide. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our outstanding outcomes and sector-leading quality ratings. We’re proud to have achieved an outstanding CQC rating twice in a row for one of our services.
Find Out More About Supported Living for Autism
At Liaise, we can help you find a supported living solution that will enable you or a loved one with autism to live with independence and choice.
We offer a wide variety of supported living accommodations to choose from that are as unique and wonderful as the people who live there. Many of our supported living homes are set in the heart of vibrant communities so that the individuals we support have access to a range of local amenities, attractions and social community programmes.
If you’re ready for the next step towards living with greater choice and independence, please visit our Supported Living page or contact our dedicated advisors. We look forward to hearing from you.
