Every young person deserves the chance at life, regardless of disability. But what happens if they are no longer able to live at home or want to live away from home?

With so many benefits, supported living accommodation has quickly become a popular option for young people with complex needs. We’ll explore supported living and why it might be the right choice for your child.

What is supported living accommodation?

Supported living accommodation offers a communal environment with specialist support services for those who need help to build independence.

This type of housing allows young people to gain practical skills, whilst providing freedom and privacy.

We have four supported living homes in Exeter, providing safe and welcoming environments for individuals with special needs. All four homes are located on the edge of the city, providing easy access to the city centre.

Why is supported living accommodation important?

The purpose of supported living for young adults is to provide a safe environment where residents can continue to live comfortably while receiving assistance with daily activities.

At InFocus, we believe that every young adult with complex care needs should have access to the same opportunities as everyone else. This includes having the choice of where they live, whether it’s in a residential setting or an independent living environment.

We currently provide support to residents for a range of other needs, such as:

• Cerebral palsy
• Autistic spectrum disorder
• Mild learning disability
• Vision impairment

Our supported living facilities in Exeter are specifically designed to meet the needs of young adults with vision impairment and other complex needs.

Benefits of supported living accommodation

Provides a safe and secure environment

One of the biggest benefits of supported living is that it provides a safe home for young people with learning difficulties or impairments.

This can be essential for individuals who may have difficulty communicating or struggle with daily tasks.

Such tasks can include dressing, cooking, and personal hygiene. Staff members are trained to provide support, while respecting the privacy of residents.

Helps young people develop independence

With the support of staff members, residents can learn to manage their finances, cook meals, and maintain their living space.

These life skills are crucial for individuals who want to live independently in the future. Through learning these skills, residents can gain confidence, helping them achieve goals in later life.

Promotes social interaction

Young people often struggle to make friends in traditional settings. At Infocus, we encourage residents to form friendships. This way they can bond with others who share similar experiences and challenges.

Social interaction creates a positive impact on mental health, easing feelings of isolation and loneliness. It allows residents to engage in group activities and outings, as well as discovering new passions and hobbies.

Offers specialist support services

Supported living accommodation offers specialist services tailored to support young people. This includes help with personal care, medication management, and accessing healthcare services.

Our services include:

• Speech & language therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Braille and Access Technology
• Physiotherapy
• Mobility training
• Health and care
• Wellbeing and pastoral support

We also offer a range of activities and programs to help residents discover new skills and interests. These can include art classes, cooking courses, gardening clubs, music therapy sessions, and more.

Creates a sense of community and belonging

Living at InFocus helps to create a strong community amongst residents. Communal living environments allow residents to interact with each other daily, building close relationships.

A sense of community can be important for those who may have experienced social exclusion or bullying in the past. Residents can feel accepted and valued for who they are, having a positive effect on self-esteem and confidence.

How we support our young people

We want young adults to feel supported, whilst being able to learn about the responsibilities of everyday living. Our expert, caring and person-centred support is tailored to meet the needs of young adults with visual impairment and other disabilities.

Here are just a few of the benefits of choosing supported living accommodation for young adults:

• Support with utility bills and how to manage them
• Support with managing medical appointments and medication
• Supported responsibility of shopping, cooking and laundry
• Support for finding paid or voluntary employment

Our expert staff are fully trained to work and support people with vision impairment and other needs. They are trained to a high level to provide just the right amount of support to help each resident develop a life in the community. Our staff are also interviewed by some of the supported living residents as part of the recruitment process.

We also have a range of support services for our residents to help them manage their daily lives, including:

• Support workers/enablers – Our friendly support team can provide assistance seven days a week, including overnight. We can also arrange further support, such as accompanying you if you need to travel somewhere.
• Therapy and mobility training – Our team of mobility/ROVI (Rehabilitation Officer Visual Impairment) staff are able to help with habilitation and orientation. Learn more about our therapy and mobility training.
• Transportation – We have a range of vehicles (including larger vehicles for wheelchair use) that can be booked out by residents. Our staff are vetted each year before being permitted to drive for InFocus. This way, we can ensure you reach your destination safely. If you have your own vehicle, we can arrange on-site parking for easy access.

What is included in our properties?

• Bedrooms – Each room contains a bed, wardrobe and draws. Some of our bedrooms also include an en-suite bathroom. Residents can personalise their room to their taste, bringing their own furniture and electrical appliances, such as a TV. Each of our rooms has keys or swipe-card access to keep you safe.
• Communal living – Each of our properties includes communal living areas with a TV in the lounge so you can relax. They also include modern kitchens equipped with all the necessary appliances, such as ovens, refrigerators, toasters and kettles, etc. There is also plenty of space to store your food and drink.

How to apply for supported living accommodation

To learn more about our supported living services, feel free to get in touch with our admissions team for an informal chat. We also recommend that you visit us in Exeter to meet some of our staff and view our properties. This way, you can get a feel for what your new home will look like.

There is then a half-day assessment, this helps us to make sure that we can meet your needs, and for you to determine if this is the best place for you. Following on from this, we’ll work out the cost of your supported living arrangements and talk about who will be funding it. For more information about our supported living accommodation, feel free to read our supported living brochure. Or get in touch with any queries you have. To start the conversation, please email Shelley Mathews (smathews@infocus-charity.org.uk) or call 01392 454313.