There is no one-size-fits-all approach to learning disability care, and because of this, our specialist care home has a range of different services that range from intensive support to providing a little help for people who can otherwise live independently.

The concept of an independent living scheme is quite broad, and there are a lot of different interpretations and implementations of even the most central principles.

The central concept of independent living is that it is a care scheme that allows people who are learning or who have learned some of the skills needed to live on their own to use them whilst having care services available whenever they are needed.

Some independent living schemes are much closer to domiciliary or home care, whilst others feature independent housing located close to a care home. At Halland House, we have The Lodge, a dedicated annexe that provides an independent space for people.

This is the best approach as it allows for a carer to always be there at a moment’s notice as well as provide support throughout the night, whilst home care would only have that as part of specific care packages.

At the same time, the facilities are available for residents to make their own snacks and drinks as well as safely practice other independent living skills in a space where they can get help from either their friends, fellow residents or carers if they need it.

It also helps people who struggle with some of the maintenance responsibilities that come from a house, such as gardening, basic repairs and certain cleaning tasks.

Much like the rest of our care home, The Lodge is also designed around community, with a wide range of activities and support, as well as events both within the house and around the local community.

Independent living is helpful for developing the skills to live alone, or where certain aspects of living in one’s own abode create an unhelpful level of pressure or distress.