What Does Person-Centred Care Look Like in Supported Living?

Introduction 
Person-centred care means putting the individual’s choices, rights and goals at the heart of everything. In supported living, this is especially important because people are tenants in their own homes. CQC, SCIE and Skills for Care all stress that person-centred practice is key to “Right support, right care, right culture”. 

Core elements of person-centred care 

• Respect for tenancy rights. The home belongs to the person, not the provider — staff must knock, seek permission and respect privacy. 

• Individualised planning. Support plans are built around the person’s strengths, needs and aspirations, not a “one size fits all” model. 

• Choice and control. People decide who comes into their home, what their routines look like, and how they spend their time. 

• Involving families and advocates. Where appropriate, families and independent advocates should be included in planning and reviews, while keeping the person’s wishes central. 

• Cultural and identity needs. Religion, language, diet, and personal identity are reflected in everyday care and respected by staff. 

Examples in practice 

• Supporting someone to choose décor and furnishings for their home. 

• Building weekly routines around hobbies, social connections, or work aspirations. 

• Using accessible formats (pictures, easy-read) so people can participate fully in decision-making. 

• Adjusting support so that shared living is fair while still respecting individual preferences. 

Why it matters 

• Quality of life. People feel valued, included, and empowered. 

• Compliance. CQC and other UK regulators expect evidence of person-centred planning and outcomes. 

• Positive outcomes. Stronger relationships, better health, and reduced isolation when support reflects who the person is. 

Practical tips for staff 

• Use tools like one-page profiles and “This is me” booklets. 

• Build life story information into support plans. 

• Reflect in supervision: Am I supporting what matters to this person, or what’s easiest for staff? 

References 

• CQC – Right support, right care, right culture guidance 

• SCIE – Supported Living practice resources 

• NICE – People’s experience in adult social care services (NG86) 

• Skills for Care – Person-centred approaches 

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