Support to live independently

Most people want to stay in their own home for as long as possible. We want to help you stay safe, retain your independence and keep doing what you enjoy.

You have lots of choices if you need more support to live at home. Read about what support or care options might work best for you.

Staying active in your community

Many people in Suffolk have a naturally connected network of family members, friends and neighbours who can support them.

There may also be social groups, clubs and services nearby that could help you.

Staying active, sociable and getting out in your community can help you retain your independence. This helps you stay in your own home and delays the need for social care for longer. 

Read more

• Find local support near you
• Stay healthy and active
• Getting out and about

Adapting your home and using equipment 

This may be as simple as installing a handrail to get in and out of the bath. Or you might benefit from installing a walk-in shower instead of a bath.

Technology and equipment may help you retain your independence at home for longer.

This could be as simple as a 'reacher' to avoid bending down to pick things up. Or you might benefit from a digital assistant smart speaker to help you remember to take medication. 

There are lots of options that can help you live safely and independently at home. Many people find they can buy what they need easily privately, without help from social care services.

Read more

• Equipment to help you stay independent
• Adapting your home to work for you
• Technology to help you live independently

Care at home

Carers can help you with tasks that you're struggling to manage on your own, such as cooking, cleaning, washing, dressing or shopping.

Care at home in Suffolk is usually arranged either privately by individuals and their families, or through financial support from Suffolk County Council.

The type of care you receive depends on the support you need and your financial situation.

You may be eligible for payment from the council towards your care if your savings and capital (excluding the value of your home) are under £23,250.

If you are eligible for support from the council, you may still have to contribute towards your care costs.

Read more

• Paying for care 
• Calculate your care costs
• Meals and shopping

Other care options

Home Care providers

Care and support provided in your home.

Choose from all home care providers in Suffolk (Ipswich, Suffolk Coastal, East Suffolk and West Suffolk).

Employing someone to live with you

If you need 24-hour care, there are care agencies which can give more information on how to employ a carer who lives in your own home.

You'll need to have a financial assessment and a chat with us to see if this is the best option.

Retirement villages

If you need more support than can be provided in your own home, retirement villages may be a good option.

They're also known as retirement complexes or retirement properties. They're designed for people who require more help but want to stay as independent as possible.

You can arrange to live in a retirement village privately.

Sheltered housing

There are different types of sheltered housing available. Some will have a warden on site. Others will have a warden living in the area. All will have 24-hour emergency help with an alarm system.

There are waiting lists for this type of housing. It's best to contact the housing provider direct to understand how long this is and what support they provide.

You can find local supported housing schemes on Suffolk InfoLink

Self-assess your needs

Not sure what care option may be best for you?

Take our self-assessment to find out about:

• what care or support needs you have
• equipment and services that could help you stay at home for longer  
• community groups, clubs and activities to help maintain your health and independence
• whether you're eligible for financial support from the council towards any care costs
• how to request social care support if you need it