Independent living
If the disabled person can live totally independently without support from external agencies then consider the following options:-
- Home ownership – You can become a home owner by getting a mortgage, inheriting a property or joint ownership (parents combining resources to purchase a property for their children)
- Shared home ownership – The ownership of a property is shared between the person with a disability and the housing provider. Shared ownership allows you to buy a share of the property and pay rent on the rest to your housing provider
- Renting private property -You would pay rent on a property to a private landlord or letting agent
- Local housing authorities or associations – Contact your local housing department for further information
Semi-independent living
If the disabled person needs support from agencies at certain times of day e.g. getting bathed, or cooking meals, then consider:-
- Home ownership, shared ownership, private or council rental all with support
- Cluster housing – small blocks of self-contained flats with a manager, warden or support worker on-site or providing 24 hour support
- Supported living – a flexible type of support that helps a person with a disability to live in their own home, rented or shared property rather than in residential services. A carer may visit or live in to provide support as needed
- Community Support Networks – a property close to similar houses and flats occupied by people with disabilities. A worker provides support such as information, advice and a sympathetic ear
If you have high support needs
Some people require specialist 24-hour support for a variety of reasons and this would be assessed by social care.
Living with others
- Adult placements – If a person with a disability prefers to live with a family (in a similar way to a foster home), social services may be able to arrange a placement within a family
- Supported lodgings – Living in someone else’s home as a lodger but with extra support at home with things like personal care
- Homeshare -The house or flat would be shared with a second person who has different needs where both people have something to offer
- Group homes and shared housing – homes are shared by three or four people. Residents can do their own shopping and cooking, supported by staff through the day or when needed