FAQs for Families

What do you offer at Certitude?

We provide support across London to people with learning disabilities, autistic people and people with mental health support needs from essential round the clock support, to helping after a period of crisis to rebuild connections in the community.

For more information on the different types of support we offer please click here

What should I consider when looking for a place for my family member?

Finding a suitable home for your loved one is an important decision, and depending on their individual needs there are a few things to consider.

• The type of the property: Do they need a ground floor room due to mobility issues?
• Shared spaces: How many people live there? Are they looking to engage with lots of people with shared dinners and activities or do they prefer a smaller more private space?
• Location: Does the local area have the suitable environment your family member would enjoy, for example, transport links, parks and shopping facilities? Are you looking for somewhere close to the family home?

Who do I speak to first to find out information and begin the process of moving in to supported living?

Your first step should be to ask your local council's social services department for a care needs assessment. They will identify where you might need extra support from social care and advise you on local supported living services if it seems like they could meet your needs.

You can find your local authority here

What is the difference between Supported Living and Registered Care?

Registered care is a type of support that includes accommodation and care support together. It means that you pay for the support as a package.

Supported living is supporting people to live in their own house either on their own or with others. It is more flexible and allows people to keep their support arrangements and billing separate from their living or rental agreements.

Is supported living suitable for my family member?

Supported living is intended to allow people with disabilities and other long-term conditions to maintain their independence whilst living in their own home with support available. If your family member is looking to gain some independence whilst also having care and support available to them then Supported living might be the right decision.

How are supported living places funded?

The cost of supported living is dependent on an individual’s assessed needs which means the cost can vary. In a care home the individual’s local authority or health board pays the full cost, however in supported living the person is responsible to pay their own rent and housing costs. Many individuals are often eligible to apply for housing benefit or other benefits to cover the cost of their tenancy in a supported living provision.

Where can I find the latest CQC report?

The care quality commission ensures the quality and safety in various healthcare settings including care homes. You can find out latest inspections here

What training and requirements do Certitude staff have before they are able to support people?

Following interview, if successful, all of our staff are required to pass thorough references and Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks.

We have a mandatory training programme that all staff are required to complete, which includes topics such as safeguarding, health and safety, food safety, medication, mental capacity, manual handling, first aid and infection control.

We also have various specialised training dependent on the needs of the person being supported.

How often am I able to visit my family member?

Whenever you would like to. This is their home; therefore, you can visit your family member whenever they would like you to.

How does the referral process work?

It can vary dependent on the borough and type of support provided. More information is available on our how to get support page.

Where can I find out more information?

You can find more information about us and what we offer at Certitude on our Who we are and What we do pages.

You can also contact the Family Support Team on FamilySupport@Certitude.london who may be able to support you further.