As an alternative to supported living and further education, we also commission residential care placements for young people who are eligible (see Care Act eligibility) where it may be appropriate to do so. We have a strong focus on providing opportunities for people with disabilities to live as independently as they're able. Your social worker will advise further on the options available, based on your Care Act assessment.  

What is residential care?

• A residential home (also known as a care home) provides accommodation and personal care in one setting
• Within a residential care home, your young person will have a room in a building shared with a number of other individuals
• Activities and support will be delivered on site by the provider
• Support will be provided on a 24-hour basis with meals and care provided on site
• Residential care homes are registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and are inspected on a regular basis

Key considerations

Young people will be supported to make informed decisions in relation to options available to them, and the options laid out will be explored in more depth. However, please see below for key considerations on differences between residential care and supported living.

Supported living 

• Accommodation is often either a tenancy or licence agreement with a registered social landlord. Care and support is tendered and bespoke for the individual
• The individual is responsible for bills and household costs and is able to apply for state benefits
• Matching and compatibility of individuals is led by Shropshire Council
• Potential eligibility for housing benefit, or universal credit, ESA, DLA, PIP depending on your circumstances
• Provision of support based on assessed needs, including shared support and individual 1:1 support to pursue individual interests, which may include assistive technology

Residential care

• Accommodation, care and support is inclusive, with the provider delivering both. No tenancy/licence agreement
• Matching and compatibility of individuals is provider led, individuals have little choice on who they may live with
• Limited amount of spending money due to personal expenses allowance
• Provision of 24-hour support continually
• Provision of meals on site

If a residential placement is deemed to be the right option to suit the needs of an individual, the social worker will advise on availability of placements across the county. Further consideration will also be taken on the timeframe of the placement because not all placements are long term, it may be that a short-term placement is deemed to be suitable, pending further long-term plans to be made.

During the time of a placement, individuals will continue to have their Care Act needs reassessed to ensure that the placement remains suitable to meet their needs during their stay, and further discussions can take place to consider longer term goals to be achieved.