A Life of Their Own: Supporting Independence Beyond Group Homes and Living In the Basement
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Picture this: Your loved one wakes up in a house that’s truly theirs. Sunlight pours through the curtains they picked out, and the smell of breakfast fills the air.
They’ve invited a few friends over for a movie night later, and you’re coming by for Sunday dinner tomorrow. It’s a life full of independence, friends, family, and the comfort of a home they can call their own.
And with the right support, this isn’t just a dream—it can be their reality.
For many families, it can feel like the only options for an adult with disabilities are group homes or staying in the family home indefinitely.
While these options may work for some, there is so much more possible for adults with disabilities.
With access to the right resources and services, your loved one can enjoy a fulfilling, independent life—one where they can make their own decisions, manage their own home, and live in a way that reflects who they are.
Helping Your Loved One Find a Home of Their Own
It can be hard to imagine your loved one moving out and living on their own, but with the right support systems in place, this can be a positive and empowering transition.
Programs like Medicaid waivers and Section 8 housing vouchers are designed to make independent living possible, even for those who need daily support.
With a Medicaid waiver, your loved one can receive help with everything from personal care to managing their home. If they need assistance with daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, or getting dressed, a personal assistant can come to their home and provide that support.
This means your loved one can live in their own space, while still getting the help they need.
Section 8 vouchers can help make housing more affordable by covering a portion of their rent. These vouchers are avaialble to people who are on the waitlist for waiver services.
The vouncher allows them to rent their own apartment, townhouse, or house in a community of their choosing, while only paying a manageable amount based on their income.
Did you know: Your loved one can even rent a home from a family member using a Section 8 voucher?
This option can give them the security of staying close to family while enjoying their independence.
Building a Community Around Them
Independence doesn’t mean isolation.
In fact, moving out on their own often allows adults with disabilities to expand their social circles, build meaningful friendships, and establish their own communities.
They can invite friends over for meals, host game nights, or simply enjoy the freedom to decide how they spend their days.
As family members, you play an essential role in this transition. You can be there to offer guidance, help them get settled, and stay connected.
This doesn’t mean you’re letting go—it means giving them the space to grow while maintaining a supportive role in their life.
Sunday dinners, family outings, and even simple phone calls can continue to strengthen your bond while giving them the chance to live more independently.
Supporting independence isn’t about stepping back—it’s about stepping forward together.
The Path to Independence
The journey to independent living begins with understanding what services are available.
Medicaid waivers and Section 8 vouchers are two key resources, but there are other support options that can also help your loved one thrive.
Medicaid Waivers: These waivers provide support that allows adults with disabilities to live in their own home while receiving necessary services. This can include personal care aides, help with transportation, and assistance with employment or vocational training.
Section 8 Housing Vouchers: This program helps cover rent costs for individuals with limited income. By using a Section 8 voucher, your loved one can rent a home of their choosing while paying an affordable portion of the rent. They can even rent from family members, allowing them to stay close to their support system while gaining independence.
Other Support Options: If you are on the Medicaid waiver waitlist, there are options beyond government funding to help your loved one live their best life. Some families choose to pool resources to create shared living spaces, care services, and more.
No matter the path, there are many ways for people with disabilities to build a life they love.
Whether it’s through government programs, family support, or local organizations, your loved one can find the resources they need to live independently and happily.
Need Help Getting Started?
Navigating these options can feel overwhelming, and you don’t have to do it alone. If you’re ready to explore how your loved one can live independently, there are resources and professionals available to guide you through the process.
Whether you're just beginning to explore independent living or need help navigating complex systems, there’s support to help your loved one move beyond group homes or the family basement and into a life filled with friends, family, and the home they’ve always dreamed of.