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Housing options and adaptations

There's lots to consider when it comes to your housing options as you approach adulthood: you may begin to think about living on your own or sharing a house with others.  It's a big decision so it's important that you know your choices. For most young adults, the right place to ask for advice on this would be your district or borough council service. 

For young people who have care and support needs there are a range of other options to explore.

Housing options for young adults with care needs

If you have care and support needs which will continue into adulthood, planning usually starts at the age of 16. You can be referred to adult care services for a social care assessment from the age of 18. This assessment will show what kind of care and accommodation-based support needs you have.  After the assessment, a care package will be agreed with you and your family and a social worker will work with you to help explain the different options available. 

If you need help the 0-25 Together Team will carry on working with you until around your 25th birthday. They will assess your needs, learn about what you want to happen and help you to access the right services.

Most people from the age of 18 pay towards the cost of their care - you will have a financial assessment to decide how much. 

Living in your own home or with your family

You could stay in your own home or in your family's home, and have support workers who help you to stay as independent as possible with daily tasks or getting out and about in the community. This is called support at home.   

You'll need to contact the 0-25 together service to request an assessment.

Shared Lives - living in a carer's family home

Shared Lives offers the opportunity to live in a carer's family home.

Read more about Shared Lives

Supported living 

If you need this level of help, you could have your own flat in a supported living service, or rent a room in a shared house with other people who also access support.  Help is provided where you live and you will have a housing tenancy.  You will be supported to apply for housing benefit to help pay your rent. Some supported living services support people with very high 24 hour needs, and some provide only a few hours of help per day. 

Residential care

Residential or nursing care in a care home provides shared accommodation with 24 hour on-site support for people with higher health and social care needs. 

Buying your own home

You can get help with buying a house through a shared ownership scheme or HOLD (Home Ownership for people with Long-term Disabilities) scheme. The housing association will buy the property using a grant, and then sell a share of it to you. The rent, service charge and interest payments on your mortgage might be met by eligible benefits. The 0-25 Together Team can advise you on whether this option is best for you and what level of support can be provided. 

You'll need to be claiming medium to higher level disability living allowance (DLA) to get this option.

Home Adaptations

To help you stay independent you may be able to get special equipment or home adaptations to help at home -  for example installing a wheelchair ramp to make it easier for you to get around, or a safety rail in the bathroom.  

If you need a home adaption, an Occupational Therapist (OT) will assess your needs and then refer you to your local district council who will organise and pay for the work to be done. 

Assistive Technology

Assistive technology, also known as care technology, helps people stay at home longer and maintain their independence. It includes fall or epilepsy sensor mats and door sensors. It also provides reassurance to family and carers.

Paying for care and housing costs

Most people from the age of 18 pay towards the cost of their care. You will need to have a financial assessment if it has been agreed that you are eligible for adult care services.  The financial assessment will determine how much you will need to contribute to your care.  Whether you need to pay anything will depend on the money you have, and any property you might own. 

Find out more about paying for care costs.

Some people with long-term complex health care needs qualify for free health and social care arranged and funded solely by the NHS. This is known as NHS continuing healthcare.

You may be eligible for benefits which can help towards the cost of accommodation and care. Find out more on our Money page. 

What support is available?

HertsHelp

You can call 0300 1234044, email info@hertshelp.net or visit their website for advice and guidance.

Shelter

Shelter offer housing advice to anyone who needs it. They can talk to you about your housing rights and take you through next steps.

Citizens Advice Bureau

Citizens Advice Bureau practical and confidential advice online, over the phone, and in person, for free.

Herts Young Homeless

Herts Young Homeless's services range from prevention, to early intervention, crisis support and independent living support.

 

Page was last updated on: 12/06/2025 11:57:36