Last Updated: August 13, 2026
Finding a place to call home is a fundamental step towards independence for all young adults. For disabled people, this journey can be even more difficult and challenging, but with proper support, many can rent or buy their own homes just like their peers. They can also move into specialist housing options, such as supported living or residential homes, when they require additional care.
A report commissioned by the Local Government Association highlights the significance of choice and autonomy in this process: an overwhelming 77% of respondents with lived experience expressed a preference for living in their own accommodation with support. This highlights the vital role that residential homes and support services play in helping young adults navigate the transition from education into adult housing, or for those who feel ready to take the next step towards independence.
The importance of thoughtful transitions
The physical environment and the type of support available in adult housing can have a profound impact on the lives of young adults with complex disabilities. Moving into individualised apartments or their own supported accommodation offers many positive changes.
Research consistently shows that well-located housing, designed with accessibility in mind and complemented by the right technology and tailored support, plays a vital role in improving wellbeing, promoting community participation, and supporting better health outcomes for disabled people. Personalised housing arrangements also support independence and provide greater opportunities for young adults to exercise choice and control over their daily routines, lifestyles, and long-term goals.
Moreover, evidence collected within this outcome framework continues to underline the effectiveness of investing in appropriately designed, well-located housing. Such investment lays the groundwork for housing models that are flexible and responsive to the diverse and evolving needs of young adults with disabilities.
The role of residential care settings
The transition to adult housing is about more than just finding a place to live; it’s about creating a genuine sense of belonging and a true home. At Homes Together, we provide high-quality accommodation and meaningful activities for young adults with learning and other disabilities, building our reputation on these very principles.
We understand that a welcoming, homely atmosphere is crucial to each service users’ growth, happiness, and confidence. That’s why we’ve sensitively adapted residential houses to cater to the needs of everyone, ensuring accessibility, safety, and comfort throughout.
From cosy bedrooms to communal spaces, it’s important that environments are designed to help service users feel comfortable and supported. Thoughtful care can help create a sense of belonging for everyone.
Welcoming service users, staff, and visitors as part of the community helps to create a supportive setting. In these environments, service users are encouraged to find their place, pursue their ambitions, and experience the stability and warmth of a true home, empowered to live life to the fullest.
Person-centred planning and support
Person-centred planning is fundamental in supporting disabled young adults to transition successfully into adult residential housing. The approach begins by exploring how everyone wants to live and identifying the specific elements needed to make their vision a reality. By placing the person at the centre of all decisions, person-centred planning focuses on their unique strengths, interests, and values, as well as their dislikes and concerns. The aim is to create a positive and practical vision for each person’s life and to provide the right support to help them achieve it.
When considering housing options, the things that matter most will vary from one person to another. For some, being close to friends and family is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships and connections. Others may prioritise continuity in the support they currently receive, valuing familiar faces and trusted routines.
The environment itself can also play a crucial role; one person may thrive in the vibrant energy of a lively town, while another may find comfort and happiness in a quieter, rural setting. Through person-centred planning, care providers, families, and professionals work together to understand these preferences and ambitions.
Building independence, confidence, and wellbeing
Transitioning into adult housing provides disabled young adults with opportunities to develop essential life skills while laying the groundwork for greater independence and lasting confidence. Within this supportive environment, individuals can develop emotional resilience by learning to solve everyday problems, navigate new situations, and overcome challenges. Gaining financial literacy, such as learning how to budget and manage personal expenses, empowers young adults to take charge of their resources and make informed decisions about their futures.
Managing a household also brings valuable practical skills. Activities like cooking, cleaning, laundry, and maintaining a living space help build a sense of responsibility and self-sufficiency. As digital technology continues to play an essential role in daily life, developing computer and digital literacy skills opens even more opportunities for autonomy, connection, and participation.
The benefits of adult housing go far beyond practical life skills. A 2024 study on accessible housing for people with disabilities showed clear links between having independence, privacy, and autonomy at home and increased wellbeing. Individuals in these living situations report lower rates of depression, increased self-confidence, stronger social connections, and a greater willingness to participate in community life.
This is particularly evident in neighbourhoods with a strong sense of community and social cohesion. These communities often benefit from the availability of social support networks, frequent opportunities for social engagement, and a sense of belonging and purpose that comes from positive daily interactions.
Collaboration with families and professionals
Creating effective, supportive residential environments for young people with disabilities is a collaborative effort built on strong partnerships among the service user, their family, and a multidisciplinary team of professionals. This partnership enables tailored support for everyone’s unique needs, preferences and aspirations.
A key aspect of this collaboration lies in understanding the distinction between person-centred planning and a personalised care and support plan. Person-centred planning is about discovering what is important to the person, such as their dreams, goals, and how they want to live their life. In contrast, a personalised care and support plan addresses what is important for the person, setting out all the health and wellbeing needs of a patient following a comprehensive, holistic assessment of those needs.
When families and professionals work together, they help bridge these approaches, ensuring each service user’s daily support is rooted in both their values and their wellbeing requirements. Central to this collaboration is listening to the voice of the service user, allowing their preferences, hopes, and ambitions to guide the planning process. Families and professionals play a crucial role in supporting such self-advocacy and helping everyone build the confidence to express their needs.
Additionally, open communication and shared decision-making among service users, their families, and staff builds trust and mutual respect. This ongoing dialogue enables the creation of person-centred solutions that are flexible and responsive to changing needs.
The way forward
Adequate, well-designed and available housing is a cornerstone for young adults with disabilities who are striving to lead more independent and fulfilling lives. The journey to independence can be made smoother and more empowering when families and providers, such as Homes Together, work closely together, supporting everyone through every step of the transition. By embracing person-centred approaches, we ensure that the voices, preferences, and aspirations of young adults are at the heart of every decision, especially when it comes to choosing where and how they want to live.
Adults with disabilities must be allowed to shape their own future, including having a real say in where they call home and the type of support they receive. When families, professionals, and care providers collaborate, the result is a seamless transition and a foundation for lifelong growth, wellbeing, and community inclusion.
About Homes Together
Homes Together ensures its properties are a place for disabled people to call home. Each of its sensitively adapted residential houses offers a safe, comfortable and stimulating environment in which they can thrive. In 2020 the group introduced additional residential homes, formerly operated by the charity Henshaws, to Homes Together. Homes Together now has eleven homes in Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon and one in Gateshead, managed across the three divisions, Lilford, Bedford, and Pennington.
