Characteristics of supported living – a perspective of professionals and potential residents

Abstract

Abstract Background Policies are increasingly decentralized, and people with a demand for support often live in familiar environments and regular neighborhoods instead of institutions. To meet the demand for support, the local government aims to offer supported living facilities in Staphorst, Netherlands. Accordingly, this study aimed to provide insight into the characteristics of supported living from the perspective of professionals and potential residents. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with professionals and potential residents to obtain insight about their perspectives regarding supported living. First, ten interviews were conducted with professionals (i.e. local government, care, welfare, and housing corporation), followed by six interviews with potential residents and/or their parents. The interviews were transcribed, coded and analyzed by two researchers. Results A small amount of the residents in Staphorst would benefit from supported living. This concerns mainly (young) adults with a mild intellectual disability and/or a mental illness who need practical, social and emotional support in order to live on their own. Composing the support, it is important to acknowledge the religious identity of the potential residents and their families. Furthermore, the interviews with professionals and potential residents revealed that the following options should be considered: time-out, short- and long-term support, daycare and open house facilities, various types of support (i.e. volunteer and professional) and combining target groups (i.e. adolescents and adults). Conclusions This study reveals several options to consider when composing supported living in Staphorst. Accordingly, most participants emphasized the need for short-term support focusing on skills related to independent living. Furthermore, it is important to involve professionals and potential residents and/or their parents in order to offer sustainable supported living for the residents in Staphorst. Key messages Most participants emphasized the need for short-term support focusing on skills related to independent living. Both professionals and potential residents should be involved when composing supported living facilities.