Is Supported Living or Assisted Living Right for Me? A Guide to Making This Important Decision

Making the decision about care for yourself or a loved one is never easy.

It's one of life's biggest choices, filled with emotions, practical considerations, and hopes for the future. If you're reading this, you're are likely to be considering whether supported living could be the right step forward.

We understand how overwhelming this decision can feel, and we're here to help you navigate through your options with clarity and compassion.

What Exactly is Supported Living?

Supported living, also known as assisted living, provides assistance to individuals in their own accommodation while promoting greater independence. The key principle is that you live in a shared home with your own space - in our case, your own private en-suite room that you can personalise with your belongings - and receive tailored support based on your individual needs.

At South Devon Care Services, our supported living approach is centred around enabling each individual to maximise their potential while maintaining their independence. You choose what support you need and when you need it.

We can provide minimal personal care support (such as prompting or minimal assistance with washing, dressing, and showering), laundry support, medication management, and preparation of tasty and nutritious meals. Residents typically manage their own breakfast independently, unless additional support is requested.

The beauty of supported living lies in your autonomy and choice. You have control over your daily schedule and your activities. You have your own private space, but also access to welcoming communal areas where you can socialise when you choose to. It's about maintaining your independence while having the security of knowing help is always at hand and available when you need it.

Common features of our supported living homes in South Devon include:

• Private en-suite rooms that you can personalise with your own belongings

• 24-hour emergency assistance through alarm systems connecting to our main care teams

• Shared communal lounges and dining areas for socialising

• Activities and social events arranged for the community

• Support with daily tasks tailored to your individual needs

• Designed for people aged 65 and over who value their independence

  
  

Supported Living vs Residential Care Homes: Understanding the Difference

The main difference between a care home and supported living lies in the level of independence and support provided. Care homes offer 24-hour care and support within a communal living environment, while supported living provides assistance to individuals in their own private rooms, promoting greater independence.

Supported Living:

• You live in your own room (your private en-suite room) with your own belongings

• Greater independence and control over your daily routines and choices

• Tailored support provided based on your individual needs - you choose what help you want

• You decide your own schedule and activities

• Support workers assist with specific tasks like medication management or meal preparation

• More autonomy over your lifestyle while having help when needed

  
  

Residential Care Homes:

• 24-hour continuous care and support in a communal living environment

• Higher level of care for individuals with more significant care requirements

• May include nursing care for complex medical needs

• Less control over daily schedules and routines

• All meals, activities, and care routines are structured by the home

• Better suited for those who need constant supervision or have advanced care needs

  
  

If you're finding that you need some support but aren't ready for full-time residential care, supported living could be the perfect solution. Our South Devon residential care homes remain an excellent option for those requiring more comprehensive care.

Supported Living vs Home Care: Which is Right for You?

Many people initially consider home care, and this option can work well for some. However, there are important differences to consider.

Home Care:

• Carers visit your existing home at scheduled times

• Can feel isolating, especially if family lives far away

• Relies on the reliability of care agencies and timing of visits

• Your home may need costly adaptations for safety and accessibility

• Limited social opportunities and community connection

• Can become expensive as care needs increase

• No emergency support available between visits

  
  

Supported Living:

• Purpose-built accommodation designed for accessibility and safety

• 24/7 support available through alarm systems when needed

• Built-in community with organised activities and social opportunities

• Professional care team always nearby in adjacent residential homes

• Often more cost-effective than extensive home care packages

• Peace of mind for both residents and families

• Shared facilities like dining areas and lounges for companionship

  
  

Whether you're considering home care in Totnes, home care in Ogwell, or assisted living options, it's worth exploring all possibilities to find what truly suits your needs and lifestyle preferences.

Key Questions to Help You Decide

Asking yourself (or discussing with a loved one) these important questions can help clarify whether supported living might be the right choice for you.

About Daily Living

• Are you finding household tasks like cleaning, cooking main meals, or laundry becoming more challenging?

• Do you sometimes worry about your safety at home, especially at night?

• Are you taking multiple medications that would benefit from professional management?

• Would you appreciate having main meals prepared for you while maintaining independence for breakfast?

• Do you need minimal assistance with personal care like washing or dressing?

  
  

About Social Connections

• Do you sometimes feel lonely or isolated in your current home?

• Would you enjoy having neighbours and organised activities nearby?

• Are you interested in making new friendships with people in similar circumstances?

• Do you miss having regular social interaction and community events?

• Would you like to be part of a close-knit community while keeping your independence?

About Peace of Mind

• Would you and your family feel more secure knowing help is always available through an alarm system?

• Are you concerned about having a medical emergency when alone?

• Do you worry about the costs and reliability of home care services?

• Would you like to reduce the stress of household management while keeping control of your routine?

  
  

About Independence and Community

• Do you want to maintain as much independence as possible while having support nearby?

• Is having your own private room and space important to you?

• Would you like to continue making choices about your daily routine?

• Do you want to avoid feeling isolated while also avoiding an institutional setting?

• Are you attracted to the idea of community living with like-minded people?

  
  

If you answered "yes" to several of these questions, supported living could be an excellent fit for your needs.

Why Choose Our Supported Living in South Devon?

South Devon Care Services offers some a range of beautiful and welcoming supported living communities in Ipplepen, Kingskerswell, East Ogwell and Totnes.

Our four assisted living homes in South Devon provide different settings to suit various preferences:

• North Grange Supported Living in Ipplepen - Purpose-built comfort with eight en-suite rooms in a charming Devon village, walking distance to local amenities including The Wellington pub and village shops

• Bessmount Assisted Living in Kingskerswell - Eight en-suite rooms in the heart of this lovely village, perfect for those who enjoy village life with easy access to Newton Abbot

• Littlecourt Supported Living in Totnes - Five thoughtfully designed rooms for those drawn to the vibrant, historic market town atmosphere with its rich cultural life

• Appletree Cottage Supported Living in East Ogwell - Seven single en-suite rooms offering peaceful surroundings with modern comforts, adjoining beautiful Woodland Trust land

  
  

Each of our homes provides the perfect balance of independence and support, with 24/7 emergency care available, delicious home-cooked meals including traditional Sunday roasts and Friday fish and chips, and a warm community atmosphere where genuine friendships flourish.

When considering ongoing care in Totnes or any of our other locations, you're not just choosing accommodation – you're choosing a lifestyle that promotes wellbeing, independence, and meaningful connections.

Taking the Next Step

We know this decision isn't made overnight, and that's perfectly normal. The choice to move to supported living represents a significant life change, and it's important to feel completely comfortable with your decision.

We encourage you to visit our homes, meet our residents and staff, and get a real feel for what life could be like. Many families tell us that seeing our communities firsthand - perhaps joining us for lunch - helps them understand the genuine care, warmth, and independence that supported living can offer.

There's no pressure and no obligation – just the opportunity to explore what could be a wonderful new chapter in your life or the life of someone you love.

Ready to learn more? Contact us today to discuss your specific needs or arrange a tour of our supported living homes. Our friendly team is here to answer all your questions and help you make the decision that's right for you.

Call us: 07704 573281

Email: info@southdevoncareservices.com

Your perfect supported living care home in South Devon is waiting to welcome you.