What Is Supported Living for People with Mental Health Challenges?
It is essential to find a suitable care solution for people with mental health challenges to provide them with the best quality of life possible. Exploring versatile options is the first step towards obtaining the best outcome for people with mental health needs. Supported living for mental health needs can be one of the options available.
Supported housing services provide additional guidance and support to people with complex mental health needs that require support managing their mental health. It allows people to live an independent life in the comfort of their own homes and always have support at hand when needed. As a service, supported housing is designed to allow people with mental health needs and other long-term challenges to retain their independence, enjoy their private space and feel comfortable in their own homes.
The care provided is always on-hand. Supported living services might include covering certain costs and can take the form of an apartment block or a community setting but always with ready support available. Most people find that supported living is the best option for them as it allows for a higher level of self-reliance and helps with self-esteem and building on their living skills.
Benefits of Supported Living for People with Mental Health Challenges
Supported housing can help with a vast range of needs and allow people to regain their independence while having extra emotional and physical support to guide them towards their goals. Some of the other benefits include:
- Tailored support and care
- Trained staff selected by the person that needs support
- Enjoying greater independence in the comfort of your own home
- Participate in creating the care plan
- Behaviour and emotional support
- Social network
- Constant monitoring of staff and services
- Live independently
- Accommodation
Furthermore, the benefits of supported living services revolve around the person who needs support and their families. Compassion and understanding are provided at all times so everyone moves towards the goal – of living an independent, fulfilling and active life.
Who Might Need Supported Living Services for Mental Health Challenges?
Some people with a learning disability or Autism may require some level of support to increase independence. However, supported living services can help in other circumstances as well. Supported living services help people make choices about how and where they want to live and keep on doing things that are important to them.
Supported living services can be beneficial for individuals with:
- Acquired brain injuries
- Behaviours that challenge
- Mental-ill health
- Autism
- Prader-Will syndrome
- Forensic needs
- Down’s syndrome
- Substance dependency
- Cerebral palsy
- Learning disabilities
Supported housing is considered the best option for people with some care needs who have the physical capacity to care for their everyday needs. This includes people with Down’s syndrome, learning disabilities, and cerebral palsy. Usually, social services can provide information about local community services that provide supported housing. Our team at Unique Community Services understands the importance of independent living and supports individuals to live a fulfilled life.
Maintaining Mental Health and Well-Being in Supported Living Settings
Maintaining our mental health and well-being is important at any age. Maintaining and improving mental health and well-being through supported living services is more manageable, especially with proper care and support.
There are many factors which contribute to living independently and maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle, but some of the most important ones include the following:
- Maintaining a balanced diet
- Getting a good-quality sleep
- Social networks
- Proactive support
- Daily exercise
- Hobbies and interests
- Keeping your brain busy and active
Although our bodies and minds change as we age, the requirements and rules for a healthy lifestyle generally stay the same.
Why Supported Living for People with Mental Health Challenges Brings Positive Impact
Having a home makes a place for you in the local community. However, people with learning disabilities, mental health needs, and complex care needs are among the most excluded groups in today’s society. This is due to a history of segregation of services that denied individuals the right to own a home, make a choice and have control.
The core principles of supported housing are that people with learning disabilities, mental health needs, and complex care needs can own or rent their homes, have control over the support they receive, and choose who they live with. Supported living services operate on the fact that all people can choose how they want to live their lives.
Thanks to this idea and principle, there is a substantial positive impact for people with learning disabilities, mental health needs and complex care needs, as they can access a range of welfare benefits and be in control over choosing what kind of life they want to live. Also, support services allow people to have their voices heard loud and clear and help us understand that it is a fundamental human right to choose how you want to live.
Supported Living for People with Mental Health Challenges with Unique Community Services
Support living with Unique Community Services can help include people in every segment of society while providing support to people with mental health needs. Our team focuses on the importance of human rights and creates a plan based on every person’s individual needs.
We focus on elevating independence and improving community engagement by prioritising people’s mental and emotional health and well-being through developing trust. Although our offices are based in Manchester and Leeds, we support people with complex care needs in Exeter, Slough, Somerset and the Midlands, and we are growing beyond that. Let us be your first port of call when providing care and support.
If you are interested in what other ways we can help, don’t hesitate to contact us today!
Become a Support Worker for People with Mental Health Challenges
As a support worker, you get to be someone’s companion, educator and community bridge-maker. You can help people live fulfilling lives and become integral to their community.
Some of the best parts of being a support worker are sharing new experiences and celebrating success by helping people overcome their fears and challenges. If this sounds like something you’ve always wanted to do, check out our job opportunities and join our Unique Community Services team.
