What is supported living?

What does supported living mean?

Supported living is a solution for people who want to live an independent and full life but could do with the reassurance of support services on hand if they need them. It’s an ideal solution for older people who want or need an easier life.

How does supported living help?

Despite a strong desire to remain independent some seniors can find themselves battling with issues such as a home that is too large or difficult to maintain, increased physical ailments or loneliness and isolation.

Supported independent living can be the perfect answer. It allows people to live in their own retirement apartment, bungalow or house—with full control over, and responsibility, for their bills, décor, guests, pets etc—set within a supportive community and with various services available on-site. These include things like personal emergency alarms and maintained gardens, restaurants and independent lifestyle support services.

McCarthy Stone offers two types of supported living: independent living at our Retirement Living communities for the over 60s and Retirement Living PLUS for the over 70s which adds extra assisted living services. Browse our homes offering supported living near you.

What is the difference between supported living and independent living?

The differences between the terms supported living and independent living can be quite subtle depending on the context and who is using them. Independent living still offers support, but not as much as say assisted living. Assisted living still offers independence but with greater support.

What is independent living?

In the retirement housing market, independent living usually means you need to be able to manage all daily tasks on your own, but you will have the benefit of an on-site manager, a friendly community, safety and security features and beautifully maintained shared facilities like gardens for recreation and socialising. Read more about independent living.

What is assisted living?

With assisted living you still have the independence of your own home but there’s more support on offer for your peace of mind. For instance, you may benefit from:

• staff onsite 24 hours every day of the year
• a restaurant on-site 
• laundry services 
• cleaning services 
• personal care (bathing, dressing, etc)

Read more about assisted living.

How does supported living work?

The process of buying—or renting—a supported living home is pretty much the same as any other property, although you do need to meet the criteria for the development.

Criteria for McCarthy Stone homes

At McCarthy Stone that means you usually need to be over 60 to live in a Retirement Living development or over 70 for a Retirement Living PLUS community. You also need to be healthy enough to live independently. That said supported living is suitable for people with the common health concerns associated with old age such as arthritis and mobility issues.

Homes designed for older people

McCarthy Stone retirement properties are specially designed with ‘hidden adaptations’ to help people as they age, while still looking beautiful. So, for example, the contemporary chrome taps are attractive and also easy for people to use with arthritis, doorways are wide enough for walkers and wheelchairs, and ovens are positioned at an ideal level so you don’t have to bend too far.

Service charges

As with all housing developments, you’ll pay a service charge for the upkeep of shared spaces. But unlike most, these service charges pay for the specialist support services you’ll enjoy on-site, for instance, paying wages and for keeping the lifts serviced, the communal areas warm and the gardens looking gorgeous. McCarthy Stone doesn’t make a penny in profit from the service charge!

The benefits of independent supported living

Supported living can allow you to:

• maintain your independence so you live the life you choose 
• enjoy a sense of community with optional events/clubs and activities 
• live in a safe and secure home with monitored fire, intruder and personal emergency alarms
• have the peace of mind of helpful managers/personal and domestic care services and restaurants on-site (Retirement Living PLUS only)
• save money through things like downsizing and a more energy-efficient home
• relax knowing that difficult maintenance tasks like gardening and cleaning the gutters are taken care of.

Frequently asked questions about supported living

Here we answer common questions about supported independent living.

How to get supported living?

Supported living homes are offered by councils, charities, or businesses like McCarthy Stone. Search for supported living with McCarthy Stone by location.

How much does supported living cost?

The cost of supported living varies hugely. You need to consider the cost of the property which depends on its size, amenities, location and market factors. At McCarthy Stone, we offer options for all budgets including rental retirement properties or affordable Older Persons Shared Ownership. Our free entitlements advice may be able to help you to claim money to put towards your living costs too.

How to register for supported living?

If you want more information about supported living with McCarthy Stone, you can call us on 0800 201 48110 or sign up for our newsletter.

Discover supported living with McCarthy Stone

McCarthy Stone has a wide range of retirement options to suit a variety of needs and preferences and whether you’re interested in Retirement Living or Retirement Living PLUS, you can choose from buying, renting or Older Persons Shared Ownership to suit your lifestyle or budget. Learn more about life at McCarthy Stone from the experts—our homeowners—or get in touch online, call 0800 201 4811 or browse our properties near you.