Supported Living in Dorset
Supporting people living with complex conditions to gain independence in their own homes
Our supported living services in Dorset provide around the clock support for people who may have a learning disability, autistic spectrum condition or physical disability, particularly where this presents in a complex way.
Through tailored support, our specialist team can help you live as independently as possible in your own home and pursue personal goals. Whatever you wish to achieve, be it making new friends, getting a job, or learning important skills for independent living, we can help.
Our Agincare Enable team are experts at supporting you to do what matters most. They encourage you to be an active participant in your care, ensuring they are always working towards your goals.
Our services in Dorset
Each of our supported living services in Dorset is different. Situated within the local community, many of our properties are made up of self-contained apartments within access to spacious gardens and communal lounges such as Elizabeth Court, a supported living scheme for adults with a learning disability and or autism in Dorchester’s Prince of Wales Road, includes 16 units – 12 flats over three stories and four bungalows.
When you move in, you are encouraged to make the space your home. That includes decorating, putting up your favourite pictures and adding your own furniture should you wish to. If specialist equipment or furniture is required, this can be provided prior to you moving in.
Our team
All members of our support team receive comprehensive and externally validated training that includes modules with a learning disability and autism focus. In addition, they receive specialist training on Positive Behavioural Support and the latest de-escalation and communication techniques.
Our teams are also trained to use Augmentative and Alternative communication (AAC) techniques such as Makaton, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and Proloquo2Go.
Call today to find out more about the training we provide our supported living teams.
Things to consider when choosing supported living
Support team
What training have your support team received? Are they able to support your needs?
Agincare’s support workers receive comprehensive training that includes courses on Positive Behaviour Support, Augmentative and Alternative Communication techniques, safeguarding vulnerable people and more.
What’s more, when you choose Agincare, our team will take time getting to know you. They will understand how you view your surroundings, what’s important to you and how you engage with the world to ensure the right support is in place.
Experience
When choosing a supported living provider, it’s important to research their experience in delivering support for people.
Our supported living team, Agincare Enable, draw on over 35 years of experience delivering high quality care across a range of care services. What’s more, we provide support to people across the country, working with local authorities, housing providers and the individual to ensure the highest quality of care.
Your needs
When choosing a supported living service, you should ensure that it is able to support your needs. It’s important to not only think about the care provided, but the environment. Can you move around freely? Is it accessible? All of our schemes are adapted to accommodate people living with varying needs, with ground floor and wheelchair adapted apartments available. We also have a proven track record of supporting people living with autism, learning disabilities, multiple sclerosis and more.
Assistive tech
Assistive technology is opening up new opportunities for independent living and can be particularly useful for people living with complex needs. Whether it’s Augmentative and Alternative Communication techniques, such as Makaton or proloquo2Go, or home assists like Google Nest or Amazon Echo, it’s important to ensure your supported living service can provide these.
Location
Whether you want to continue living close to family and friends, or explore a new location entirely, you should consider how the location of your chosen supported living scheme will work for you.
All of our supported living services are located within local communities with easy access to local transport, amenities and more. At Agincare, we think it’s important that you feel part of the community, that’s why we also engage with local groups and events that give you the opportunity to socialise and make new friends
Local authority
Arranging support is commonly done through your local authority. Before making a decision on the supported living service you would like to move into, you should check that this is included on the list of providers offered to you by the council.
We work with local authorities and housing providers across the country to provide bespoke supported living solutions.
Additional support
Supported living is all about enabling you to live as independently as possible, both at home and out in the community. That’s why you should ask your supported living provider about additional services that go beyond your basic care needs.
Our supported living services offer a range of home skills sessions, community groups, support accessing specialist therapies, and bespoke support helping you to find employment or pursue hobbies and interests.
Funding
Depending on your financial situation, funding may be available to help cover the cost of supported living. This could include direct payments, which allow you (or a person acting on your behalf) to pay for your own care and support.
The council will carry out a financial assessment to determine what contributions, if any, you are required to make towards the cost of supported living.
CQC information
Our supported living services are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). They inspect the facilities and regulate the care provided. Their ratings can be found on the CQC website
Commissioners
Agincare Enable is one of the leading providers of supported living for people aged 18 or above across England. We have strong relationships with local authorities, commissioning groups and housing providers. We continue to develop our services and would like to discuss your commissioning needs with you.
Frequently asked questions
The benefits of choosing supported living include:
– Greater independence: Whether you’re moving out of your parents’ home or transitioning from another service, our supported living services give you the help and skills you need to gain the vital skills for independent living.
– A home adapted to your needs: In a supported living scheme, you benefit from having a home that is tailored and adapted to your needs and requirements. We work closely with you and the property developers to create bespoke living spaces designed to complement our support and enable independent living. Many of our services also include assistive technology, including call systems and automatic doors.
– A home of your own: Make your space your own by adding your own furniture and decorations. When you move into supported living accommodation you are encouraged to add those finishing touches that make the house a home.
– Tailored support and care: With supported living, you have the peace of mind that our specialist team is on hand 24/7 for whenever you need support. They are fully trained to support a wide variety of needs and personal goals, helping you develop your skills, find new hobbies and develop your independence.
Arranging supported living is commonly done through your local authority. They will conduct an initial assessment to determine what type of care you need, how it will be provided and who will provide it.
The council may provide the support services or there may be a choice of provider from a list of approved organisations. The choice of provider can depend on factors such as the specific requirements involved, the services offered by the provider and the location of the supported living accommodation.
We do provide private outreach services for those not seeking support through their local authority. For more information, or to get started, call our expert care advisors today.
We offer a range of care and support options tailored to your needs. This can range from personal care and medication management to more personalised support such as help with daily living skills, managing your tenancy, mental health support, advice around managing your finances, and assistance finding education and career opportunities.
Our support teams commonly support individuals with:
• Developing independent living skills
• Planning menus, shopping and cooking
• Personal care
• Building and maintaining your social networks
• Travel training
• Being part of your local community
• Budgeting skills
• Getting to appointments
• Managing your medication
• Joining in with leisure activities
• Accessing education, training and work experience opportunities
How much supported living in Dorset costs is dependent on the property and the amount of care and support you receive. In supported living, you rent or purchase your home meaning that the exact price will be dependent on the area and current market value.
The cost of care is based on the level of support you need and is determined by a care needs assessment. You may be entitled to local authority funding to help cover the cost of care and housing. To find out more, contact your local authority to receive a free assessment.
Supported living accommodation may be available furnished, part-furnished or unfurnished. Whatever option you choose, we encourage you to make the space your own by bringing your own belongings and decorating it to suit your personal preferences.
If you decide that you no longer want to live in our supported living services, our team will work with you, your family and any other support agencies to ensure that you have the support you need to make a smooth transition into a more suitable living arrangement.
We provide a wide range of support services that include outreach, day support and home care that can be tailored to your needs and wishes.
Should you feel unhappy in your supported living environment, it is important to talk to your support worker or family so that they can help you find a more suitable living arrangement.