Independent Living & Daily Support (UK Guide)
This guide is for anyone who needs support because of a disability, long-term health condition, illness, mental health condition, age-related needs, learning disability, autism, sensory impairment, or caring responsibilities. It is designed to be inclusive and relevant regardless of gender, age, background, or circumstances.
What Is Independent Living?
Independent living means having as much choice, control, dignity and freedom as possible over your daily life. This may include support with:
- Personal care
- Washing and dressing
- Preparing meals
- Housework and cleaning
- Shopping
- Managing medication
- Mobility and transport
- Communication support
- Accessing education, work or volunteering
- Social activities and community participation
- Managing finances and appointments
The NHS and local councils can provide or arrange support following an assessment of your needs.
Getting Help From Your Local Council
The first step for many people is requesting a Care Needs Assessment from their local authority.
The assessment looks at:
- What support you need
- What you can do independently
- What equipment may help
- Whether care services are required
- What funding may be available
A carer can also request a Carer's Assessment.
Key Links
Personal Assistants (PAs)
A Personal Assistant (PA) is someone employed directly by you (or on your behalf) to help with daily living tasks.
A PA may assist with:
- Personal care
- Shopping
- Meal preparation
- Attending appointments
- Work or education support
- Social activities
- Communication support
- Household tasks
Many people choose a PA because it offers greater flexibility and control over how support is provided.
If you employ a PA using Direct Payments, you may become an employer and have legal responsibilities.
Additional Support
Care Packages
A care package is a plan created after an assessment that outlines:
- What support you need
- How often support will be provided
- Who will provide it
- How it will be funded
Support may include:
- Home care visits
- Personal care
- Respite support
- Supported living
- Day services
- Community support
- Specialist disability services
Your care package should be reviewed regularly.
NHS Information
Direct Payments
Direct Payments allow eligible people to receive money from their local council instead of having services arranged for them.
This means you can choose:
- Your own care provider
- A personal assistant
- Community activities
- Support that best meets your needs
Direct Payments are available to many disabled people, carers, older people and parents of disabled children after an assessment.
Official Information
Direct Payment Helplines
- Disability Rights UK Personal Budgets Helpline: 0330 995 0404
- Age UK Advice Line: 0800 678 1602
Community Support
Many people benefit from local community-based support, including:
- Peer support groups
- Disability organisations
- Carer support groups
- Befriending schemes
- Community transport
- Social clubs
- Advocacy services
- Mental health support services
- Volunteer services
Community support can help reduce isolation and improve wellbeing.
Useful Organisations
Daily Living Aids & Assistive Technology
Many people can remain more independent with equipment and technology.
Examples include:
Mobility Aids
- Walking sticks
- Rollators
- Wheelchairs
- Mobility scooters
Home Adaptations
- Grab rails
- Stairlifts
- Ramps
- Accessible showers
- Door widening
Sensory Support
- Hearing aids
- Amplified telephones
- Visual alert systems
- Screen readers
Daily Living Equipment
- Medication reminders
- Adapted cutlery
- Reaching aids
- Dressing aids
- Bath seats
Telecare & Safety Equipment
- Personal alarms
- Fall detectors
- GPS devices
- Emergency response systems
The NHS notes that equipment, adaptations and telecare can help people remain independent at home.
Supported Living
Supported living allows people to live in their own accommodation while receiving support.
This may suit people with:
- Learning disabilities
- Autism
- Physical disabilities
- Mental health conditions
- Acquired brain injuries
Support can vary from a few hours per week to 24-hour assistance.
Housing Adaptations & Grants
If your home needs adapting because of a disability or health condition, you may be eligible for assistance.
Support can include:
- Ramps
- Stairlifts
- Accessible bathrooms
- Widened doorways
- Specialist equipment
Information
Financial Support
Depending on circumstances, you may be entitled to:
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Attendance Allowance
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Universal Credit
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Carer's Allowance
- Pension Credit
The government provides a range of disability-related financial support and concessions.
Official Information
Advocacy Services
Advocates can help if you:
- Struggle to communicate your wishes
- Need support during assessments
- Have disputes with services
- Need help understanding decisions
You may have a legal right to advocacy in some situations.
Find Advocacy
- Advocacy Information (NHS)
Disability Rights & Complaints
If you disagree with a council decision about support, care plans, funding or assessments:
- Use the council's complaints process.
- Request a review.
- Contact the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman if unresolved.
Help
Emergency & Crisis Support
NHS Non-Emergency Advice
NHS 111
- Phone: 111
- Online: NHS 111 Online
Emergency
999
- Medical emergency
- Immediate danger
- Serious injury or illness
Mental Health Crisis
- NHS 111 and select the mental health option where available.
- Emergency services if immediate risk exists.
Key UK Contacts
Service
Contact
NHS 111
111
Emergency Services
999
Citizens Advice
0800 144 8848
Age UK Advice Line
0800 678 1602
Carers UK Helpline
0808 808 7777
Disability Rights UK Personal Budgets Helpline
0330 995 0404
Quick Start Checklist
✓ Request a Care Needs Assessment from your local council
✓ Ask for a Carer's Assessment if applicable
✓ Explore Direct Payments and Personal Budgets
✓ Consider personal assistants or home care support
✓ Check eligibility for disability benefits
✓ Ask about equipment and home adaptations
✓ Connect with local community and advocacy services
✓ Review support regularly to ensure it meets your needs
Everyone has different circumstances, and support should be personalised to help you live as independently, safely and comfortably as possible.