Application process

We understand that applying for a supported living or retirement community property might feel complicated or confusing, especially if it’s your first time or if you don’t have anyone to help you.

This page explains how to apply to live in one of our properties, with personal care or support if needed. It also covers how to apply for our technology-enabled living support packages.

Two young people sat on a sofa one has a binder and is holding some papers

If you have any other questions, please see our supported living FAQs, retirement community FAQs or technology FAQs. If you still can’t find the answer you need, or if you’d prefer to speak to someone, please get in touch and one of our friendly customer service team will be happy to help.

Paying for care and support

Many people pay for the care and support they receive using a “personal budget”. This is money given to you by the local council to pay for the care and support you need. A social worker or care manager will assess your needs and decide how much money is needed, to make sure you get the right care and support.

After the assessment, you can choose who, how, when, and where your personal budget is spent. You can ask the council to pay your chosen support provider, or have the money paid directly to your bank account so you can pay your support provider. This is called a Direct Payment. Some customers, especially in retirement communities, may pay for their care and support themselves, which is called ‘self-funding’.

How to apply

Some of our services accept direct applications, called self-referrals, which means you can contact our local team at the service you’re interested in and apply directly. Most of our supported living services and retirement communities have an agreement with the local council, which means the council must make a referral or application for you.

After we receive your application, one of our friendly team will contact you to discuss the next steps and arrange for your needs to be assessed.

Use our property search to find out if we have a suitable service near you, and for more details about any eligibility criteria and how to apply. You must meet the conditions for any eligibility criteria before your application can be considered. Your local council can also advise what housing and support is available for you in your area.

Technology in the home

Our Technology Enabled Living packages include personalised assistive technology to help you live safely and independently in your home, and give you peace of mind. There are no eligibility criteria to meet, and you can apply directly without a referral from the council.

Our customers include both Sanctuary Supported Living residents and people who live elsewhere. Our products can be paid for privately (self-funded) or using the personal budget given to you by the council, if applicable.

If you have any other questions about the application process for our technology packages and how we can support your independence, see our technology FAQs. You can also call 0330 1233 365 or fill out our simple enquiry form, and a member of our team will be in touch to discuss your requirements.