As a social worker, finding the right Supported Living placement for an individual with complex needs is one of the most important decisions you will make on their behalf. This guide walks you through the referral process, what to look for in a provider, and how to make a referral to McLaren Healthcare.
What Is Supported Living?
Supported Living is a model of care that enables adults with complex needs, including mental health conditions, learning disabilities, and neurodiversity, to live in their own home or a shared property with tailored support. Unlike residential care, Supported Living separates the tenancy from the care arrangement, giving individuals greater independence and control over their lives.
The level of support can range from a few hours a week to 24-hour care, depending on the individual's assessed needs.
Who Is Eligible?
Supported Living is appropriate for adults who:
- Have a mental health condition, learning disability, or neurodevelopmental condition such as autism or ADHD
- Require ongoing support to manage daily living tasks
- Are transitioning from hospital, residential care, or the family home
- Have been assessed as needing support to live independently in the community
Eligibility is typically determined through a Care Act assessment carried out by the local authority, in conjunction with the individual and their family or carers.
The Referral Process: Step by Step
1. Carry out a needs assessment
Before making a referral, ensure you have a current Care Act assessment that clearly documents the individual's needs, goals, and desired outcomes. The more detail you can provide, the better a provider can assess whether they can meet those needs.
2. Identify suitable providers
Look for CQC-registered providers with experience in the specific area of need, whether that is mental health, neurodiversity, or complex physical care. Check the CQC website for inspection ratings and any areas of concern.
3. Make contact with the provider
A good provider will respond promptly to your enquiry and be willing to discuss the individual's needs in detail before committing to a placement. At McLaren Healthcare, we respond to all referrals within one working day.
4. Arrange a needs assessment with the provider
The provider should carry out their own assessment to determine whether they can meet the individual's needs safely and effectively. This may involve meeting the individual and reviewing existing care plans and risk assessments.
5. Agree a support plan and funding
Once a placement is agreed, work with the provider and the commissioning team to finalise the support plan and funding arrangement. Ensure the individual and their family are involved throughout.
What to Look for in a Supported Living Provider
When evaluating providers, consider the following:
- CQC registration and rating: Is the provider registered with the Care Quality Commission? What was their most recent inspection rating?
- Experience with the individual's specific needs: Does the provider have a track record of supporting people with similar conditions?
- Staffing and training: Are staff trained in relevant areas such as positive behaviour support, mental health first aid, or autism awareness?
- Person-centred approach: Does the provider involve the individual in their own care planning and support them to achieve their personal goals?
- Communication and reporting: Will you receive regular updates on the individual's progress and any changes in their needs?
Referring to McLaren Healthcare
McLaren Healthcare is a Supported Living provider based in London, supporting adults with complex needs including mental health conditions, neurodiversity, and learning disabilities.
We work closely with social workers, commissioners, and NHS teams to ensure every placement is the right fit for the individual. Our referral process is straightforward, and we aim to respond to all enquiries within one working day.
Make a referral to McLaren Healthcare or contact our team directly at [email protected].