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In plain English

Assisted living, supported living or a care home — what's the difference?

The words are easy to mix up, and the choice matters. Here is a clear, jargon-free guide — and where GrandyGo fits.

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Three options

What each one means

1

Care home

A residential home where staff provide accommodation and personal (or nursing) care together, usually in a single room. Best for people who need a high level of day-to-day or medical care and can no longer live independently.

2

Assisted living

Your own flat within a scheme, with care and support available on site as you need it, plus communal facilities. More independence than a care home, with help on hand.

3

Supported living

Housing with care and support: you have your own home and tenancy, and care and support are arranged around you. The emphasis is on independence, choice and a full life — with help close by. This is the GrandyGo model.

Side by side

Compared at a glance

 
Care home
Assisted living
Supported living
Your own home
No — a room
Yes — a flat
Yes — a private apartment
Independence
Lower
Higher
Highest (with support on hand)
Care on site
Yes, incl. nursing
Yes, as needed
Yes — nurse, daily checks, doctor on call
Best for
High / complex needs
Moderate needs
Independent & semi-independent
Social life
Varies
Communal areas
Full calendar & community
Where GrandyGo fits

Supported living, in the Mediterranean sun

GrandyGo is supported living for independent and semi-independent older people: your own private apartment, your own choices, and a full social life — with a nurse, dietitian meals and help always close by. All of it for a fraction of a UK care home.

What is supported living abroad? Compare the cost
Common questions

Your questions, answered

What is the difference between assisted living and supported living?
In assisted living you have your own flat within a scheme with care available on site. Supported living goes further on independence: you have your own home and tenancy, and care and support are arranged around you and your choices. GrandyGo is supported living.
Is supported living the same as a care home?
No. A care home provides accommodation and care together, usually a room, for people who need a high level of care. Supported living keeps your own home, independence and choices, with care and support on hand — suited to independent and semi-independent people.
Which is right for my parent?
If they can live fairly independently but want company, routine and help close by, supported living fits well. If they need full-time or complex nursing care, a care home or nursing home is more appropriate — and we will tell you honestly if GrandyGo is not the right fit.