Supported living provider warns of growing adult social care gaps as demand rises
A Bristol supported living provider has warned that disabled and vulnerable adults are increasingly being left to manage housing, healthcare and day-to-day life with little or no statutory support, as pressure on adult social care continues to grow.
Supported Independent Living Schemes (SiLS), a local provider of supported living and outreach services, says it is seeing growing numbers of people who need support but no longer meet the threshold for council-funded care.
The organisation’s latest Impact Report shows that SiLS supported nearly 200 Bristol residents with long-term independent living support last year, representing a 10 per cent increase on the previous year.
SiLS says this reflects growing demand for community-based outreach support across the city, particularly among people who are being encouraged to manage independently despite complex housing, health, benefits and daily living needs.
As demand increases and eligibility criteria become stricter, many people who may previously have qualified for council-funded support are instead relying on Personal Independence Payment (PIP), family members or other informal support networks.
For people without strong family advocacy or the confidence to navigate complex systems alone, SiLS warns that this shift risks widening gaps in care and leaving vulnerable adults unsupported.
The provider also reports a significant change in referral patterns. Council referrals previously accounted for 99 per cent of all referrals received by SiLS, but the organisation says it is now seeing more individuals and families seeking support directly.
Justin Rodway, General Manager at SiLS, said: “Throughout Bristol and surrounding areas we’re seeing more people who clearly need support but no longer meet the criteria for publicly funded care. That doesn’t mean their needs have gone away.
“It means they are expected to manage very complex situations on their own, often during moments of crisis.
“This can often feel completely overwhelming, which is why we offer free and confidential care consultations to those who think they need some help but just don’t know where to start.
“Community-based support services like ours are increasingly needed to fill that gap, helping people stay housed, access healthcare and build the skills they need to live independently.”
National trends also reflect the local picture. The number of people receiving PIP has increased from 2.2 million to 2.8 million and is expected to rise to 3.8 million. SiLS says this growth is partly linked to more people being directed towards self-funded care where council support is not available.
The growing focus on community-based support aligns with the NHS Fit for the Future 10-Year Health Plan for England, which places emphasis on prevention, independence and earlier support.
However, SiLS warns that limited funding and stricter eligibility rules mean many people are unable to access this support through traditional council routes, increasing reliance on community providers.
Without early and coordinated intervention, the organisation says more people risk reaching crisis point, which can lead to homelessness, hospital admission or emergency care. These outcomes can be damaging for individuals while placing further pressure on already stretched public services.
SiLS has supported adults across Bristol for more than 25 years. As demand continues to rise, the organisation is calling for greater recognition of the role community-based services play in helping people live independently and filling gaps left by reduced access to publicly funded care.
