Independent Living & Care Needs Policy

Thorner's Homes is committed to providing safe, secure and affordable independent living accommodation for older women. Our Independent Living & Care Needs Policy sets out how we support residents to live safely and with dignity, whilst recognising that we are not a registered care home and do not provide personal or clinical care.

The policy helps ensure our homes remain:

  • Safe and appropriate for independent living

  • Clear in expectations for residents, families and professionals

  • Aligned with our legal responsibilities under the Care Act 2014, safeguarding legislation and good governance

About the Policy

Thorner's Homes provides almshouse accommodation for people who are able to live independently, sometimes with support from family members or external care providers.

The policy:

  • Explains what independent living means in practice

  • Sets out when accommodation may no longer be suitable for a resident's changing needs

  • Explains how we work with Adult Social Care, NHS discharge teams and other partner agencies

  • Reinforces that Thorner's Homes provides housing, not personal or nursing care

  • Supports safe decision-making, safeguarding and appropriate discharge planning

The policy should be read alongside our Safeguarding Adults Policy.

Policy Documents

The following documents are available to download:

Independent Living & Care Needs Policy - The adopted policy approved by the Trustees of Thorner's Homes CIO.

Resident Summary Leaflet - A plain English guide explaining the policy for residents, families and visitors.

Safeguarding Adults Policy - Our safeguarding policy, which complements the Independent Living & Care Needs Policy.

Consultation

The draft policy was subject to public consultation between 26 March and 20 April 2026.

Residents, families, Southampton City Council, NHS partners and other stakeholders were invited to review the draft policy and submit comments.

The Trustees considered the outcome of the consultation before formally adopting the policy on 25 June 2026.

Our Commitment

Thorner's Homes has been supporting independent living in Southampton since 1793.

This policy reinforces our commitment to:

  • Providing safe, dignified and independent housing

  • Supporting residents to remain independent for as long as possible

  • Working constructively with health and social care partners

  • Protecting the wellbeing of residents, staff and the wider community

Governance and Transparency

Thorner's Homes maintains a range of internal governance procedures, guidance documents and staff training materials to support the consistent implementation of this policy. These operational documents are used by Trustees and staff to ensure safe decision-making, appropriate safeguarding, and compliance with charity, housing and health and safety responsibilities.

The consultation process formed part of the Charity's commitment to openness, transparency and partnership working in the development of policies that affect residents and the wider community.

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