Definition

Supported Living helps adults with disabilities live as independently and safely as possible and participate fully in their community. Support with daily living tasks can be provided in a person’s own home, or in supported living accommodations. A range of services can be provided based on individual assessed needs, which can vary from minimal non-medical supports to 24-hour non-medical support.

Scope

Supported Living services are provided to adults 19 years of age and older with a permanent or long-duration cognitive, physical, or mental health disability that require support with daily tasks to live and participate in community as independently as possible. 

The amount of support provided to service users is determined by assessed need and may vary from minimal supports to continuous 24-hour support. 

Supported Living services can be provided with or without accommodations and be delivered in:

• An individual’s own home or family home
• Accommodations rented or owned by a Supported Living service provider
• A designated Supported Living setting

The scope of Supported Living services includes the provision of support with:

• Activities of daily living (e.g. bathing, dressing, eating, etc.).
• Instrumental activities of daily living (e.g. meal preparation, maintaining a home, banking, participation in recreation, vocational and/ or social activities, etc.).
• Case management support, including assessment, service planning, and on-going case management.
• Participation and full inclusion in community and society.
• Respite services based on assessed need for individuals who are primarily supported by family support providers.
• Access to nursing and medical care.

Supported Living services are individualized, based on assessed need, are non-medical and non-treatment-based in nature, and are generally permanent or of long-duration. Therefore, the scope of Supported Living services does NOT include:

• Group day programming in the community setting.
• Skills training and educational programming.
• Direct provision of addiction or substance use disorder treatment.
• Transitional housing services.
• Supports for persons experiencing homeless with no co-occurring disability.

If you are interested in accessing Supported Living for yourself or a loved one, please contact your Regional Health and Social Services Authority Home Care Program or Community Health Centre.