Support, Assistance, and Guidance for Independent Living
Supported housing services are available throughout the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County. But what exactly is supported housing, and who can benefit from it?
Sanna Mohsen, the Head of the Disability Services Unit of the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County, explains that supported housing is a form of social service and support for living at home. It’s designed for clients of the Disability Services who live independently, either in their own or rented homes.
“In Espoo, for instance, we have three teams dedicated to providing these services. One team conducts home visits across the entire Espoo region, while the other two are based in Matinniitty and Kauklahti.”
Supported housing units are integrated into standard apartment buildings. They feature clients’ rental apartments, a shared common area, and a staff office.
Mohsen further notes: “In Espoo, our teams are serving approximately 120 supported housing clients.”
In Mohsens view, the approach in supported housing centers on improving the client’s functional abilities. The starting point is to assist, support, and guide clients to be as independent as possible in their lives.
“We encourage and support clients towards independent decision-making and active participation, with an emphasis on preventing social exclusion. Our key operational principles involve focusing on the client’s strengths and resources, as well as encouraging positive risk-taking. We also strive to foster mutual interaction and a sense of community among clients by organising social events,” Mohsen adds.
A Service Tailored for the Individual
Clients of supported housing are typically referred through social work for people with disabilities.
“The process begins when the client reaches out to the social work unit. Together, they assess the client’s service needs. The service is always tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. While supported housing provides support for living independently, clients may also receive other services concurrently, such as home care visits.”
The specifics of supported housing services vary based on each client's personal plan.
“Generally, the plan is designed to provide the client with tailored support and guidance within their home environment, while also including assistance with tasks outside the home. The service manager and the client’s designated workers regularly check in to ensure that the plan is effectively implemented.”
In the vicinity of 24-hour residential housing units, there are row houses where clients receiving supported housing services reside. The clients receive support from the housing unit, often on a daily basis.
Clients of supported housing may receive help with various aspects of their lives, such as managing official matters with authorities, monitoring their wellbeing, healthcare, forming new acquaintances or social relationships, navigating unfamiliar areas, grocery shopping, and managing their finances and personal hygiene.
Supported housing units also host a variety of events and activities. These include communal meals, residents’ gatherings, exercise sessions, outdoor excursions, and group meetings for neurodivergent individuals.
Mohsen shares an example from Nåvis stödboende in Raseborg, where supported housing clients form a neighbourhood network and have a shared meeting place.
“Moreover, Nåvis has appointed a social host who is readily available to clients. Cooperation is part of our efforts to continually enhance the service and identify effective practice for the supported housing services in our Wellbeing Services County,” Mohsen explains.
Supported housing is a good option for people who can live independently and handle most of their daily tasks by themselves, but still need some regular support a few times a week.
“However, for those who need daily support and guidance, unit-based locations such as the ones in Matinniitty and Kauklahti are more suitable. In these settings, clients can use common spaces or visit the office, and have the chance to meet with counselors every day, except during the night.”
Disability Services Supported Housing Units
- In Espoo: Hansakallio, Matinniitty and Kauklahti Housing Units and Supported Housing Team
- In Hanko: Fyrens Residential Services
- In Karkkila: Karhunkorven Supported Housing Unit
- In Kauniainen: Grani, Granboets and Grankulla Units
- In Kirkkonummi: Unelma and Ystävyyden koti, Kirkkonummi service unit
- In Lohja: Veijolantie Neilikka supported housing unit
- In Raasepori: Flemingsgatan Service Unit (Flemingsgatans boende, Ladugårdsgatans boende), Nåvis Supported Housing, Kvarnen Residential Unit, Lakkamaa Supported Housing Unit
- In Vihti: Enäranta Supported Housing Unit