Costs and outcomes management in supported housing

Providers of housing engage with a variety of care needs among vulnerable mixed populations. This study examined the relationships between those needs, living environments and the costs of care and support. Tenants in the most costly arrangements were assessed as having a greater number of needs than those in other accommodation categories. However, several tenants in more independent arrangements were reported as having many and/or particularly severe needs. These tenants received higher levels of informal care than those in more highly supported housing. People who expressed a lack of basic skills received less support within their accommodation arrangements than others. Tenants' needs were of importance in explaining cost variations, and there was also a relationship between cost and the physical condition of the building and its furniture and fittings. This paper provides information as a benchmark for further study of the more effective management of housing and support.