Housing and living independently

Most young people want to be independent and live in their own home.

They want their home to be:

• suitable for their needs, and
• a place where they feel safe.  

Independent living does not necessarily mean living on your own.

It may include support to make sure you can stay independent and safe.  

 You may want to:

• continue to live with your family
• live with others
• live independently, either with or without support

You must decide what is right for you.

What to think about

• where you would like to live
• if you want to live on your own
• who you would like to share with when you are ready
• your timescales for moving 
• the money you will need
• the support you will need 
• the type of accommodation you will live in

It is important to make sure the housing you are thinking about will meet your needs and wishes.  

You may need a care assessment to make sure that the housing you are thinking about is suitable. 

There are different options to choose from:

Renting a property from a landlord

You can rent a property from a landlord.  

A landlord could be:

• a company that owns a lot of properties 
• a person or family who owns one or more properties 
• a charity or group that rents properties to specific groups of people, such as parents, refugees or disabled people. 

Rent

It is important that you choose a property you can afford.

Sometimes the cost of rent at these properties is more than you may get through Housing Benefit.

Depending on the type of tenancy you have, landlords can increase the rent. It is important that you read the tenancy agreement carefully.

Deposits

You may be asked to provide a deposit. This is usually equal to 1 months' rent.

It is important to look after the property so you can get your deposit back when you leave.

Finding properties

You can find privately rented properties through:

• a letting agency or estate agent 
• adverts online or in the newspaper 
• signs outside of the property

See GOV.UK: Private renting

Social housing 

Social housing is housing that is owned by either:

• the Council
• a housing association, which provides affordable housing to rent, and may offer financial support to buy your own property

With social housing, you usually get a more secure, long-term tenancy than renting from a landlord.

The rent is usually set at a similar level that you may get through Housing Benefit.

In South Tyneside, properties owned by the Council are managed by South Tyneside Homes. See South Tyneside Homes: Search and bid on homes.

You can find a list of housing associations on the Council's website: See South Tyneside Council: Housing associations.

Supported Housing / Independent Supported Living 

If you need extra support on a daily basis, you may be eligible for supported housing. 

This is usually a shared property, or individual flats, that have care staff on site to support you some or all of the time.

The properties are linked together through a shared space or a key worker.

Staff might support you by going to the shops with you, or helping you to prepare food.  

The support that you are offered will depend on your needs. 

You may have to pay towards the cost of your care.

You will have own tenancy agreement and pay rent. This is usually within what you may get through Housing Benefit.

Shared Lives Scheme 

The Shared Lives Scheme gives you support whilst you remain part of a family home.  

You live with a Shared Lives carer who provides some, or all of the support you need to stay independent. 

You may live with them:

• on a long-term basis, or
• stay with them for a shorter period, so those who care for you full-time can have a short break.

You will need to be assessed as having a learning disability, and meet the Fair Access to Care Services criteria (FACS).

See South Tyneside Council: Shared Lives Scheme.

Specialist residential care homes 

Specialist residential homes provide 24-hour care, 7 days a week, on site.

They provide all of your meals. 

If you can't be supported in your home, or within supported housing, your social worker may ask that you are assessed for a specialist residential care home.  

You will pay most of your benefits towards the cost of this care.

Specialist residential care homes are managed by public sector, private sector or charitable organisations.

Some homes specialise in particular areas of need, for example, people with a sensory impairment or a learning disability. 

Owning a property 

You may be able to buy a property, or you may have one given to you by a family member.  

See the Own Your Home website.

For help contact the South Tyneside Homes: Housing Solutions Service.

No matter where you decide to live, you will need money to cover:

• living expenses
• paying bills
• doing activities you enjoy
• paying for your care costs when you turn 18 (if you need to)

Benefits

Whether you are entitled to benefits will depend on:

• your age
• your needs
• the choices you make about your education / training and employment.

When you turn 16, you can decide if you want to be responsible for your benefits, or if you would like your parents / carers to be responsible for them until you are 18.

When you turn 18, you will be responsible for any benefits you get, unless you are unable to make decisions.

Find out more about benefits.

If you live in a rented property, your landlord will be responsible for repairs and safety checks to the building and any appliances, unless you have caused the damage. 

If your landlord has asked workers to come to your property, always ask to see an ID badge.

You should contact your landlord if you want to make any changes to the property, such as decorating.

Part of living independently includes taking care of your home.

You should think about the support you will need to do this.  

If you live at home or in supported accommodation, your family or care workers may be able to help you.

If you live on your own, it might be helpful to set reminders on your phone, or on a calendar. 

Paying bills 

If you live on your own you will need to pay bills.  

If you live with someone else, you should agree how much you will contribute towards the household bills.

You will need to plan for paying:

• Rent
• Gas, electricity and water 
• Council Tax
• Internet
• TV Licence
• Telephone 

Looking after your home

Part of looking after your home will involves keeping it clean and tidy, and carrying out safety checks and repairs when these are needed.  

This will include things like:  

• hoovering 
• dusting 
• washing up 
• making your bed 
• taking the bins out 
• keeping the garden / patio / balcony tidy
• checking fire / carbon monoxide alarms are working 
• reporting or carrying out any repairs that are needed to the property 

Keeping a routine for these activities will help you to keep healthy and stop germs from spreading.

If you have trouble doing these things on your own, you can get help with:

• Cleaning and laundry
• Gardening

You may need changes to your home or equipment to help you become / or remain independent.  

This could be something simple like adding handrails in the bathroom, or a full adaptation of your home.  

Disabled Facilities Grant 

You may need essential changes to your home, or extra facilities to help you stay / become independent.

You will need to have an assessment by an occupational therapist to find out what changes you need.

If you need changes to your home, you may be eligible for a Disabled Facilities Grant. 

This is a means-tested grant, which means there is a check to see if you or your household is eligible based on your circumstances.

The grant can cover up to 100% of the cost of the recommended changes. 

See Disabled Facilities Grant. 

Assistive technology  

Assistive technology can help you to live safely and independently at home.

There are lots of options, such as call systems so you to easily contact someone if you need help, or special sensors that can alert family, carers or social care staff if there is an emergency,  

You may need to pay towards the costs of the equipment, its installation, and the running of the service. 

You will need an assessment to see what equipment would be helpful and discuss the costs. 

See South Tyneside Council: Assistive technology.

AskSARA (online self help tool)

AskSARA is an online self-help guide. It provides expert advice and information on products and equipment for adults of all ages who want to stay independent in and outside of their home.

If you think you need equipment, you need to be referred by the Let's Talk team or your GP.

For information on how to use it, see South Tyneside Council: AskSARA.

You can also visit the AskSARA website.

Personal care includes things like:

• bathing and showering
• getting dressed
• going to the toilet

If you need help with personal care, it doesn't mean you can't live independently.

Changes to your home

Changes can be made to your home to help you with personal care.

For example, changing your bathroom to a wet room.

If you need changes to your home to help you stay independent, you may be eligible for the Disabled Facilities Grant.

If you need help with your personal care, you may be able to hire a personal assistant, or get help from home care providers.