Support for adults with physical disabilities

We make sure to take a personalised approach to our support for people living with physical disabilities, to help them reach their individual goals.

For some, living with a physical disability may be a recently acquired condition and so they may be looking for guidance and coping strategies in everyday life. For others who have always lived with their physical disability, they may be seeking encouragement and support to push to achieve a goal that they've wanted to do for years.

We're here to support every ambition, whether it's new or old, big or small, easy or difficult. We'll also be here to celebrate once it's accomplished, and will help to set the next one. As our teams will tell you, there's nothing more rewarding than supporting people to pursue their personal goals and dreams.

"Michelle is feeling really positive about her future, especially using her new electric wheelchair to explore her local community. Her goal is to regain as much independence as possible."

Support worker at Lifeways

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What is a physical disability?

A physical disability can affect a person’s mobility, stamina and dexterity. Every physical disability is unique and affects everyone differently, therefore each individual with a physical disability will experience different symptoms.

Physical disabilities can result in someone having reduced ability, and make daily tasks more challenging or even impossible to complete. Individuals with a physical disability may find it difficult to walk, stand, sit, move their limbs or control certain muscles.

Physical disability support that's tailored to each individual

We provide support to people living with all types of physical disability - whether temporary or lifelong, inherited or acquired. We also have extensive experience in caring for individuals with physical disabilities including cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, amputation, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, musculoskeletal injuries and muscular dystrophy.

Many people living with physical disabilities are also living with other conditions such as learning disabilities, brain injury, mental health needs as well as additional health requirements. Our skilled teams are trained and experienced in supporting those living with a range of complex needs.

All of the support we provide is completely personal to each individual. The level of support we provide is flexible from being there for just a few hours a week to 24-7. Our plans are always bespoke, taking the time to get to know each person and those who are important to them to ensure that we've understood the challenges they've already overcome, their needs and wishes for the immediate future, and also their longer-term ambitions. All of this information helps us tailor what we do in a way that ensures that the people we support live happy, fulfilling lives, and consistently achieve positive outcomes related to their personal goals.

Our support plans remain flexible to adapt with a person's changing needs and abilities. We provide friendly encouragement to nurture confidence and independence. Any adaptations and changes to the way we support are carefully discussed through the regular feedback meetings we hold with individuals, those who are important to them and any relevant care professionals. We make sure that we listen to everyone's feedback and wishes, and ensure everyone stays up to date and engaged with the progress and successes.

“It couldn’t be going any better. When I was given the keys for the first time, it was like I was in a different world - my own home, my own place to live!”

Person supported by Lifeways

Choosing the right accommodation

Our teams support people both in our supported living settings and within our residential care locations.

Some of the reasons for choosing a move to Lifeways includes taking that first step away from the family home, wanting to make a smooth transition back into living at home, or simply looking to make a move towards greater independence. Whatever the reason, we're on hand to help find the right accommodation that will make each person feel happy, safe and comfortable.

Supported living for people with physical disabilities

We offer a range of different support for people living with physical disabilities that are designed to meet individual needs. This might help with maintaining independence or providing encouragement to achieve a particular goal. The level of support we provide is completely flexible - whether it's just a few hours a week or 24-7, we adapt our plan for each person.

One of our options of support is supported living for adults with physical disabilities, where our team supports people to live safely and comfortably in their own homes. In this setting, we work closely with housing associations, private landlords and local agencies to offer community-based support which could include a flat scheme or shared property.

There’s plenty of choice and flexibility within our locations too. Our supported living apartments provide stylish and purpose-built surroundings that ensure people with physical disabilities can live with independence in their own home.

Read our guide to supported living for people with physical disabilities to find out more.

Residential care for physical disabilities

Our residential care locations are warm and welcoming places for people requiring more specialist 24-7 support to live safely and comfortably. We also have a wide selection of supported living houses, bungalows and apartments that have been designed to support people with physical disabilities to take more control over their everyday lives. Features include wide door openings, accessible kitchen areas and adapted wet rooms to increase independent living. Our purpose-built developments have been adapted to provide assistive technology that help to provide extra elements of support, which can include voice-activated controls, epilepsy and enuresis sensors, temperature-sensing systems and video-entry systems.

Most of our properties are located in the heart of local communities, with most having excellent transport links, providing the perfect setting to enjoy exploring new places, meeting up with family and friends and getting involved in new hobbies and interests.

If you are not sure if supported living or residential care is the best option for your loved one, then read our blog on the differences between supported living and residential care.