Supported accommodation is not one size fits all. The amount of help on offer varies a lot from one scheme to another. You will often see it described as low, medium or high support. Knowing the difference helps you find a place that actually suits you.
Low support
Low support usually means a support worker visits now and then, perhaps a few hours a week or a fortnight. You live fairly independently and get a hand with things like benefits, appointments or budgeting when you need it. This suits people who are close to living on their own but want a safety net.
Medium support
Medium support means more regular contact. There may be staff on site during the day, weekly key work sessions, and help building daily living skills. This suits people who are working towards independence but still need steady help to stay on track.
High support
High support means staff are on site for long hours, sometimes around the clock. There is close support and often help managing health, safety and daily routines. This suits people with higher needs who are not ready to live alone yet.
Why the right level matters
Too little support and you can feel out of your depth. Too much and you can feel held back. The aim is a place that matches where you are now, with room to move on when you are ready. Our guide on moving on to your own tenancy covers the next step.
How to work out what you need
- •Think honestly about what you manage well and where you struggle.
- •Consider your health, safety and daily routine.
- •Ask providers what a typical week of support looks like.
- •Ask how support changes as you get more independent.
When you search on Signpost you can filter by support level, so you see places that match how much help you want. If you are unsure, the guided browse can help you narrow it down.