Supported care options

Shared Lives is a form of community-based care for adults with eligible care needs. You will be matched with an approved carer, and live with them in a family-home environment.

The type of support can range from long-term live-in arrangements, respite breaks, and day support.

It can support you to live independently, go on to live more independently, or be a long-term setting.

The shared lives scheme is suitable for adults who:

• have eligible care needs
• need to live with support long term, or want to work towards living independently

Supported Living provides a home and onsite support for people with disabilities or mental health needs, helping them to live independently. Support can range from help with daily activities to more intensive care if needed.

Supported living can be in shared houses, individual flats, or specifically designed accommodation.

Support services are unique and can include help with budgeting, employment, and social activities.

Supported living is suitable for adults who:

• have learning disabilities, mental health needs, or physical disabilities.
• can live independently with some help

We will work with you to assess your care needs and the best options of support for you.

Extra care means living in a self-contained home with access to on-site care and support services. This option can help you live independently whilst offering extra help with personal care and domestic tasks.

These homes often have communal facilities like dining areas, lounges, and gardens. Care and support services are unique to individual needs and can adjusted over time.

Residents pay rent, services charges, and may be eligible for housing benefits. See our paying for care section for more information.

Extra care housing is suitable for:

• older adults, or adults with disabilities who need some level of care but want to maintain an independent lifestyle.
• people who are usually 55 years of age, or older.

We will work with you to assess your care needs and the best options of support for you.

Also known as ‘Domiciliary Care’, homecare provides support to individuals in their own homes. Services can include:

• help with personal care
• medication management
• meal preparation
• help with household tasks

Homecare can be flexible, ranging from a few hours a week to 24-hour care. Trained carers or nursing staff available to help, depending on needs. Costs vary based on the level of care and support required.

Homecare is suitable for adults who need help with daily living activities but want to stay in their own home. It is open to adults of any age with assessed care needs.

We will assess your needs to determine the level of care required.

Residential care provides a home, meals, and personal care for people who may need help with daily activities such as:

• washing
• dressing
• taking medications
• eating

Residential care offers communal living with trained staff available to support residents at any time of the day or night.

Residential care can be for a short period or be a permanent arrangement. Care homes vary in size, amenities, and the type of care provided. If you need a specialist care home and there is not one available in Buckinghamshire, the care home you move to may be in another county.

A financial assessment will determine if you qualify for funding help.

Residential care homes are suitable for adults who:

• Need help with their personal care and daily living activities.
• Cannot live alone or with family due to their care needs.
• Need around the clock care and support.

We will work with you to assess your care needs and the best options of support for you.

Nursing homes provides a home, meals, and personal care for people who may need help, but also provide 24-hour medical care from qualified nurses. This type of care is suitable for individuals with more complex needs.

Some nursing homes specialise in conditions such as dementia, physical disabilities, or terminal illnesses.

Every nursing home will create a care plan to address the specific medical needs of the resident.

Funding can come from a mix of your own money, local council funding, and NHS Continuing Healthcare.