Beyond Group Homes: Options for Adults with Disabilities
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Imagine two futures for your loved one:
1: They’re either in a group home or living with you, limited by routines that don’t fully reflect who they are.
You worry what will happen when you’re no longer there.
2: They’re thriving in a home that’s truly theirs, surrounded by friends and supported by services that empower their independence.
They live on their terms, with a future that’s secure, fulfilling, and full of possibility.
Which would you choose?
There are real options beyond group homes or family care—and with the right support, you can help them build a life they love.
1. Renting a Home of Their Own
Renting a place—a small home, an apartment, or a townhouse—gives your loved one a sense of pride and independence in their own space.
They can enjoy the routines they love while accessing support for daily tasks as needed.
Medicaid waivers can provide in-home assistance, like help with cooking, cleaning, and personal care, enabling them to live safely and comfortably without giving up their autonomy.
Tip: Section 8 housing vouchers can make rent more manageable, giving them freedom in choosing a home that feels right.
They might even rent from a family member, staying close to those who mean the most to them while enjoying their own space.
2. Staying in the Family Home
The family home often holds memories and familiarity that can provide stability.
If your loved one feels happiest at home, you can plan for them to stay there long-term.
With legal and financial tools, such as a trust, you can ensure they have a safe place to live even when you’re no longer around to support them directly.
Tip: Consider creating a shared living arrangement within the family home.
A trusted live-in roommate or support provider can offer companionship and help with day-to-day routines, maintaining the comforts of home while providing the security of ongoing support.
3. Sharing a Home with a Friend
For many adults with disabilities, sharing a home with a friend or peer provides a great balance of social connection and independence.
In a shared living situation, they have someone nearby for support, companionship, and shared responsibilities.
Medicaid waivers or Participant-Directed Services (PDS) can even make it possible to hire a friend or roommate who also serves as a support person, creating a warm, structured living environment.
Tip: Sharing a home with a friend can enhance quality of life by fostering connection and providing daily assistance.
Medicaid waivers or PDS programs may cover some of the costs of hiring a roommate as a live-in helper, supporting their independence while enriching their social life.
4. Build Their Dream Life
Choosing the right living arrangement for your loved one can feel like a maze of decisions, resources, and applications.
Having a guide can make a world of difference, helping you navigate Medicaid, housing vouchers, and all the options in between with confidence.
This personalized support ensures that each step you take aligns with your loved one’s needs and future goals, giving you both peace of mind.
Tip: With expert guidance, you can create a step-by-step roadmap tailored to your loved one’s unique needs and dreams.
From Medicaid waivers to shared living and beyond, we’ll explore the options, tackle the paperwork, and ensure your loved one has the best support for a life filled with purpose and independence.
Each of these options offers a powerful foundation for your loved one’s future, allowing them to live with dignity, independence, and joy.
By exploring these choices and getting the right guidance, you’re giving them—and yourself—the peace of mind that comes from knowing their life is secure, purposeful, and truly their own.