Independent living
Housing and Support Options
Planning for the future usually begins from Year 9 (age 14) as part of Preparing for Adulthood. The type of housing and support needed at 18 will depend on how much progress has been made towards learning the skills outlined above. Post 18, there are a number of options which, subject to assessment, can be considered. These include:
Supported Accommodation
Some young people may be able to live in their own home or shared accommodation with staff support. This support can help with:
- personal care
- cooking and cleaning
- managing money
- appointments and routines
- building independence
- sustaining education
- working towards employment
Shared Lives
Some young people may be able to live with an approved Shared Lives carer and their family.
This can be:
- long-term‑term
- short-term‑term
- a way to learn independence in a home‑based setting
Shared Lives Stoke | Shared Lives Stoke | Stoke-on-Trent
Living at home with support
Some young people stay at home and may receive additional support in the form of:
- home care or personal assistants
- support workers
- day opportunities
- clubs, groups, and community activities
- respite or short breaks
Residential care
This is for young people with more complex needs who need support day and night.
Residential homes offer:
- trained staff
- structured routines
- health and care support