Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of support do you provide?
We provide personalised supported living services for young adults with learning disabilities and autism, helping each individual live as independently, confidently and meaningfully as possible in their own home.
Our support is built around the individual — their needs, preferences, routines, aspirations and goals. We provide practical assistance with everyday life while encouraging independence, confidence, choice and positive wellbeing.
Are you CQC registered?
Yes. We are registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to provide supported living services.
We are committed to meeting the regulatory requirements and quality standards that apply to our service. This means maintaining a strong focus on the safety, dignity, rights, wellbeing and individual needs of the people we support.
Being CQC registered is an important part of our commitment to providing safe, compassionate and high-quality support. We continually strive to ensure our practice reflects the principles of person-centred care and the standards expected of a regulated care provider.
For us, person-centred support means seeing the individual first — not simply their diagnosis or support needs.
Every person has their own personality, strengths, preferences, communication style, interests and aspirations. We take the time to understand what matters to each individual and tailor our support around them.
We encourage people to have choice and control over their daily lives, make their own decisions wherever possible and develop their independence at their own pace.
Do you work with families, social care teams and other professionals?
Yes. We believe that effective supported living works best when there is open, respectful and collaborative communication between the people and organisations involved in an individual's life.
With the appropriate consent and information-sharing arrangements, we work closely with relevant social care teams, local authorities and other supporting professionals and organisations. This can include:
- Families, parents, carers and advocates
- Social workers and adult social care teams
- Local authorities and commissioning teams
- GPs and other medical professionals
- Community nurses and specialist healthcare teams
- Occupational therapists, speech and language therapists and other allied health professionals
- Mental health and wellbeing services
- Housing providers and housing authorities
- Supported living and accommodation partners
- Education, training and employment providers
- Day services and community activity providers
- Voluntary and community organisations
- Advocacy services
- Other professionals involved in an individual's care and support
This collaborative approach helps us build a fuller understanding of each person and ensures that support is coordinated, consistent and deeply rooted in a person-centred ethos.
Will support be provided in the individual's own home?
Yes. Our supported living service enables individuals to receive tailored support within their own home and community.
We recognise how important it is for people to feel comfortable, secure and in control of their living environment. Our staff support individuals with their everyday routines while encouraging them to develop the skills and confidence needed to live as independently as possible.
What does day-to-day support look like?
Support is different for every individual. Depending on their needs and agreed support plan, this may include:
- Developing independent living skills
- Preparing meals and maintaining healthy routines
- Household tasks and maintaining a safe home
- Managing appointments and daily routines
- Accessing the local community
- Developing social and communication skills
- Supporting hobbies, interests and meaningful activities
- Building confidence and independence
- Supporting health and wellbeing
- Developing education, training or employment skills
- Encouraging positive relationships and community involvement
The level of support is tailored to the individual rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
How do you promote independence?
We believe that support should enable, not restrict.
Our staff provide encouragement and assistance while giving individuals opportunities to make choices, learn new skills and take greater responsibility for aspects of their everyday lives.
Sometimes this may mean stepping in to provide practical support; at other times, it may simply mean offering reassurance, encouragement or allowing someone the time and space to do something independently.
How do you support wellbeing?
We look beyond practical care and consider the whole person.
Physical health, emotional wellbeing, relationships, social connection, meaningful activity, confidence and a sense of purpose can all contribute to a fulfilling life.
We work with each individual to understand what makes them happy, what motivates them and what helps them feel safe and confident. Their wellbeing remains an important part of the support we provide.
What happens in an emergency?
We understand that reassurance matters — not only to the individual, but also to their family and wider support network.
Although our staff provide day-to-day support within the individual's home, there is always a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week point of contact for emergencies.
This provides an additional layer of reassurance and means that, should an urgent situation arise outside normal working arrangements, there is always someone available to contact and respond appropriately.
Will families be involved?
Where appropriate, and with the individual's consent, we welcome collaboration with families and those who know the individual well.
Families can provide valuable insight into a person's history, personality, preferences, communication and aspirations. We value this knowledge while ensuring that the individual's own voice, choices, rights and wishes remain at the centre of their support.
Can support change as someone's needs develop?
Yes. We understand that people's circumstances, confidence, abilities and aspirations can change over time.
Support should therefore be flexible and responsive. We work with the individual and, where appropriate, their family, social care team and other relevant professionals to review and adapt support as their needs and goals evolve.
Our aim is to ensure that people receive the right support, at the right level, at the right time.
What makes your supported living approach different?
Our approach is based on a simple principle: the person comes first.
We don't believe in one-size-fits-all care. We believe in taking the time to understand each individual, building relationships based on trust and respect, and working collaboratively with the people and professionals around them.
From everyday practical support to long-term personal development, our aim is to help each young adult experience greater choice, independence, confidence, dignity and quality of life.
What if I have questions about the service?
Choosing supported living for yourself or someone you care about is an important decision, and it's natural to have questions.
Our team is here to provide information, answer questions and help you understand how our service could support you or your loved one.
You don't have to have everything figured out before getting in touch. We're here to listen, understand and help you explore the options available.
We hope that the information we have given you in this section will help you to make the right decision for you. If you would like to visit Carlene Home Care to see for yourself and ask your own questions please phone us on 020 3620 7193 or 0203 643 2487 to arrange an appointment. Or, if you have more questions, simply call or email and we’ll respond quickly.