Designing Supported Living Homes Around People, Not Buildings
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Many providers are confident talking about PBS values and principles, but less confident articulating how the home environment supports autistic people day-to-day. Commissioners increasingly expect to see sensory-aware housing design woven into Supported Living service models.
This article focuses on designing sensory-friendly homes for autistic adults in supported living.
Start with individual sensory profiles
There is no single “autism-friendly” design. Instead, strong services:
- Use occupational therapy or psychology input to build a sensory profile
- Involve the person (and family/advocate) in describing triggers and preferred sensory experiences
- Map these insights onto the physical environment and daily routines
For example, one person may find bright light overwhelming, while another needs strong light to feel safe and alert. Your housing design should respond to this, not impose a one-size-fits-all solution.
Managing noise and sound
Noise is one of the most common sources of distress for autistic people. Design choices can help:
- Soft furnishings, curtains, rugs and acoustic panels to reduce echo
- Separating quieter bedrooms from louder communal areas
- Using soft-close doors and cupboards where possible
- Agreeing “house quiet times” as part of co-produced house rules
Lighting that supports comfort and routine
Lighting can both soothe and overwhelm. Consider:
- Warm, dimmable lighting in lounges and bedrooms
- Avoiding flickering fluorescent tubes and over-bright spotlights
- Task lighting in kitchens and bathrooms for safety and independence
- Blackout blinds or good curtains for people who are light-sensitive at night
Creating safe retreat and decompression spaces
Autistic people often need somewhere to retreat and rebalance when things feel too much. This can be:
- A dedicated quiet room with low stimulation
- A personalised bedroom with clear “do not disturb” signals
- A cosy corner in the lounge with a weighted blanket and headphones
What matters is that the person knows where they can go, and staff know how to support this as part of the PBS plan.
Visual structure and predictability
Visual clarity helps autistic people navigate the home and daily routines. You can:
- Use simple signage or pictures for rooms and cupboards
- Keep surfaces as clutter-free as possible
- Use consistent colours or themes for different areas (e.g. dining vs relaxing)
- Link visual timetables or schedules to where activities actually take place
Balancing sensory comfort and safety
Safety remains essential, particularly where people may damage property or be at risk of harm. Strong providers strike a balance by:
- Using robust, domestic-looking furniture rather than institutional fittings
- Choosing fixtures that are safe but not overly restrictive
- Working with commissioners and landlords to fund bespoke adaptations
- Linking any environmental restrictions clearly to proportionate risk management
Evidence for tenders and reviews
In tenders, CQC inspections and quality reviews, you can evidence sensory-aware design by:
- Showing how sensory profiles feed into environmental decisions
- Documenting changes made after move-in based on feedback
- Capturing outcomes: fewer incidents, better sleep, reduced anxiety
- Including photos or layout plans (appropriately anonymised) to bring your model to life
Sensory-friendly design is not an “extra”. For autistic adults in supported living, it is often the difference between “just coping” and truly thriving in their own home.
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