Benefits from Supported Living:
Supported living services offer care and assistance for those living in rented accommodation or in their own homes. Under a supported living arrangement, personal care and accommodation are provided under separate contractual agreements. Housing is often provided through the local authority or a registered housing association, and funded through the individual’s benefits or earnings. Support is delivered by a care giver, like PBL Care, and funded by the local council or in some cases the NHS.
People in supported living may choose to live on their own, with another person or in a shared house where everyone contributes to bills and upkeep. These shared homes are often existing properties that have been specifically converted to provide the right environment for those with particular needs. Each person will generally have their own tenancy agreement detailing their individual rights and responsibilities.
The support provided is flexible and based on individual needs. It can range from a few hours each day to full time, 24-7, with a care worker staying overnight at the person’s home.
Eligibility and funding
The level of support anyone needs is planned and agreed with them and, if appropriate, their immediate family. Usually an assessment is completed by a care manager or social worker, before they’re introduced to a suitable care giver.
Some people choose to take a Personal Independence Payment or Direct Payment and select a provider directly. With this comes responsibility for all aspects of working arrangements and employee wellbeing, which the council can advise on.
If you choose a support provider like PBL, then you will be introduced to our support staff to ensure everyone gets on. The council, or in some cases the NHS, then pays the support provider direct and closely monitors the service that you receive.
Benefits available to those in supported living arrangements vary depending on their level of need and ability. They may include:
Disability Living Allowance or a Personal Independence Payment
Attendance allowance (for those over 65)
Employment and support allowance
Some people also receive Housing Benefit to help them with their rent as well as benefits and grants to assist with special adaptations to their homes.
Working with registered providers
In each supported living service, the roles and responsibilities of the support provider and registered housing provider – the landlord – are set out in a Service Level Agreement (SLA) that both parties agree to and sign. Each SLA is different, with distinct working arrangements, reporting procedures and some variation in responsibilities. At PBL Care, our aim is always to work in partnership with the landlord in the best interests of those we support.