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What Does “Independent Living” Truly Mean?

Man playing with a guinea pig

Independent living isn’t just about living on your own. It’s about having the freedom, support and confidence to make your own choices – regardless of your age, ability or circumstances.

At Care Support Scotland, we believe everyone should be able to live life on their own terms. That’s why we support people to lead full, independent lives – with the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

So, how do we support people with their everyday living?

Independent Living is more than physical independence

When we talk about independent living, we’re talking about more than just living by yourself. We’re talking about choice, control, participation and dignity – four principles that shape everything we do.

  • Choice means deciding how you want to live – from what you eat, to who supports you, to how you spend your day.
  • Control is about having a say in the level of care you receive and how your environment is managed.
  • Participation means having an active life as part of your community, nurturing friendships, enjoying social activities and pursuing hobbies and interests.
  • Dignity means being treated with respect at all times – and knowing that your thoughts, feelings and values matter.

Independent living looks different for everyone

For some, it might mean personal assistance to help live comfortably in their own home. For others, it might mean moving into supported accommodation, getting out and about in the community, or learning new life skills.

What matters is that the support fits an individual’s life – not the other way around.

Two people smiling whilst playing cards

Our approach to independent living: putting people first

At Care Support Scotland, we take a person-centred approach because we believe everyone deserves to feel seen, heard and valued.

That means really listening – getting to know each person’s story, what matters to them, and what makes them feel safe, happy and in control. We don’t just deliver care; we build trusting relationships that offer reassurance, respect and a genuine sense of connection.

Because independence isn’t just about practical support – it’s about feeling understood and supported.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

  • Personalised care plans
    We work with the individual and those closest to them to create a plan that fits their goals, needs and routines. It’s not one-size-fits-all. 
  • Support for decision-making
    Whether it’s choosing what to do today or planning for the future, we empower people to make real choices so they can stay in control of their daily activities.
  • Stronger community connections
    We help people take part in local life – whether that’s joining in with community activities, accessing essential services, or just catching up with friends. We can also help with transport to make getting involved easier.
  • Respect at every step
    Our residential care is built on compassion, dignity and respect. We’re here to support independence, not take it away.

Why choose Care Support Scotland's independent living schemes?

We go the extra mile to make sure our support feels human, reliable and right for individuals.

Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Truly tailored support
    Our care plans aren’t generic. They’re shaped by what matters to the individual. We take the time to get to know routines, goals and the little things that make a big difference.
  • Active community involvement
    Being part of something bigger is good for well-being. From coffee mornings to skills workshops, we offer a wide range of events to help people stay connected and involved with the wider community.
  • Flexible independent living options
    We can support people in their own homes, provide them with supported living spaces, or simply help navigate the housing and care systems to find the housing options that suit them best.
  • Skilled, compassionate staff
    Our team is experienced, well-trained, and genuinely care about those that they support. We invest in their development to provide consistent, high-quality support from trusted carers.
  • Technology that supports independence
    From smart home devices to communication tools, we help people access the right tech to support daily life – safely and confidently.
Creating a thriving community with Care Support Scotland

The difference our personal care makes

Our focus is always on what our support enables, not just what it provides.

For example, our personalised care plans don’t just meet people’s needs, they also give them a voice in shaping their daily life. When care reflects personal goals, preferences and routines, it builds confidence, boosts dignity and puts people with disabilities back in control.

Personal relationships play a huge role in independent living. They offer emotional support, a sense of belonging, and shared joy: things that are just as important as physical care.

Staying socially connected can boost confidence, reduce loneliness, and improve mental and emotional health. At Care Support Scotland, we help people maintain and build friendships because we believe independence isn’t just about what you can do for yourself – it’s also about who you share life with.

With a range of accommodation options, access to assistive technology, and compassionate, well-trained staff, we help people live safely, confidently and with purpose. For families, it brings peace of mind. For the person with disability, it brings freedom, stability and a renewed sense of self.

To us, that’s what independence feels like.

Independence, your way

We hope we’ve made it clear that independent living isn’t about doing everything alone. Instead, it’s all about individuality – individual voices, choices, and lives.

The most important part is having the right support in place. Whether that means assistance with activities, encouragement to get involved in the community, or finding a place to call home.

If you or someone close to you is looking for support that puts independence first, we’re here to help. Get in touch to find out how our community-based care can support people to live an independent lifestyle, their own way.