Finding somewhere to live

Independent living

Independent living does not necessarily mean living on your own. There are many options, including living in your own home on your own, living in your own home with a carer or even live in your own home with friends and family.

Things to consider if you move into your own home

If you move into your own home, you may need help with or learn how to do some new things including:

• cooking and cleaning
• paying bills
• making friends
• getting a job
• finding hobbies and activities.

How do I rent a home?

You can rent a home from a council, housing association, charity or voluntary organisation, private landlord or even someone you know, like a family member or friend.

Renting from a council or housing association

Council and housing associations are sometimes called social landlords. You can apply for this type of housing by going on the housing register and using the Devon Home Choice scheme. This can be a secure way of renting your own home.

If you want to live with a friend or family member in the long-term then you can apply to this scheme together.

Renting from a charity or voluntary organisation

Many charities that support people with learning disabilities have properties that they rent out. Some are shared with others and others are self-contained.

Renting from a private landlord

You can rent from a private landlord in different ways, some people rent by going to an estate agent and choosing a home.

Councils can often help people access private rented housing by either helping with the deposit or by having arrangements whereby the council or housing association lease from the private landlord and give you a tenancy.

Renting a flat in an extra care or supported living scheme

Some housing providers have small groups of houses or flats clustered around some communal facilities, each person has their own self-contained home.

There is usually support attached, but you can get extra support from other sources if you need it. It is worth considering, however, that most extra care schemes are for people 55 years or older.

Can I get modifications to my home to enable me to live there more easily?

You can get a grant if you’re disabled and need to make changes to your home. This can be used in many ways including, for example:

• widening doorways or installing ramps
• improving access to rooms and facilities
• providing heating systems
• adapting heating or lighting controls to make them easier to use.

Contact Care Direct at on 0345 1551 007 to arrange for an occupational therapist to visit. The Occupational Therapist can assess your needs in your home.

Technology Enabled Care and Support (TECS)

Technology Enabled Care and Support, or TECS, is the term for assistive technologies that can help people to live more independently in their homes.

If you would like to know what kind of TECS support might be available to support any eligible needs that you may have, please start by completing our self-help online tool. Alternatively, you can contact Care Direct on 0345 1551 007 or email csc.caredirect@devon.gov.uk.

More information:

Search Pinpoint Devon for Supported Housing
Which? Guide – Letting Agreement Checklist
Young People’s Housing Advice
Devon County Council Supported Living
Shared Lives – For people who are looking for somewhere to live in a family environment with additional care and support.
Teenagers and transition to adult services
Help to stay living at home
Housing options for people with a disability

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