“Supported living” is an expansive term encompassing a wide spectrum of tenant groups, each with unique long-term and short-term support needs. Among these needs, the level of assistance required on a weekly basis can vary significantly. Some individuals may only need minimal, periodic support, while others necessitate intensive care and more extended hours of assistance. For those with long-term needs, support may be required throughout their lifetime due to circumstances unlikely to change. Conversely, individuals with shorter-term needs may require temporary interventions lasting up to two years before being ready to manage their tenancy and live more independently.
Shorter Term Support Needs
- Veterans
- Homelessness
- Teenage parents
- Domestic abuse survivors
- Care leavers
- People recovering from addiction
- Asylum seekers
- Ex-prisoners
Long Term Support Needs
- Learning disabilities
- Autism
- Mental health (can also be short term)
- Physical disability
As evident, the list of supported living tenant groups is diverse, and so are their property requirements. The question arises: what does each group specifically need in terms of housing? Providing a standardized set of criteria for each group would simplify the process; however, individualized needs make this approach impractical. Just like anyone else, each person will have unique requirements, such as the desire to reside in a particular region to stay close to friends and family, necessitating specific adaptations for enhanced independence, or requiring proximity to a hospital for specialized services.
Moreover, some individuals may require particular adjustments, while others may not, and these circumstances can overlap. For instance, you might encounter a care-leaver with a disability or an individual with a learning disability requiring mental health treatment.
The degree of support necessary can vary from a few hours per week to comprehensive 24/7 care, sometimes requiring on-site facilities for caregivers and support staff. Different care and housing providers have varying preferences, ranging from bungalows to self-contained units, apartment buildings, and spacious houses, among other options.
Understanding this diverse landscape of supported living tenants and their distinct needs is crucial for providing suitable housing solutions and fostering a supportive living environment for everyone.