Home, sweet home. Transitioning into adulthood and deciding whether or not to move out of your parents’ house is a huge, often emotional, milestone—for everyone. That’s because home is more than a physical place; it’s also a warm, comforting feeling. When adults with disabilities reach this natural progression in life, a lot of thought goes into choosing the appropriate housing option.
During this process, many questions arise, such as:
- Should my loved one stay with a family member?
- Are they able to live independently?
- What resources are available to them?
- How often do they require assistance throughout the day?
- What kinds of housing facilities are available for their needs?
- Are these facilities affordable?
Because every individual is different, there’s no universally applicable timeline or plan for moving out. Keep reading to learn about various disability housing options, including the pros and cons of each.
Disability Housing Options
There are many different disability housing options available, and it is up to the individual and their loved ones to choose what is best. Evaluate the level of care they require on a daily basis, the amount of freedom they desire, and what options are available in the community. There’s a right fit for everyone!
Living with Parents or Other Family Members
As teenagers transition into adulthood, not everyone is ready to move out of their parents’ house. Living with parents or other family members is a great solution for individuals with disabilities who are not yet comfortable with exploring other living situations. Many people with special needs rely on a family member to be their primary caregiver, so remaining at home may be their only option.
With that being said, there are still many opportunities outside of the home for individuals with disabilities to gain independence. Living with parents doesn’t have to limit new experiences. For example, individuals living with family can participate in community events, join an adaptive sports team, and so much more!
Section 8 Disability Housing
The Section 8 program provides vouchers for people with low incomes, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities to obtain safe and sanitary housing in their community. In general, a Section 8 housing recipient pays approximately one-third of their monthly income towards the rent. The voucher pays for the rest.
Section 8 vouchers allow people with mild to moderate special needs to live independently in the community, giving them the opportunity to expand their daily living skills. The only drawback is that it usually takes years to obtain a Section 8 voucher, and appropriate housing units are not always available in the individual’s preferred community. But with adequate planning and research, Section 8 housing is a great option for an adult who has the ability to live on their own!
For more information on federal housing initiatives, take a look at our previous blog on The Challenges of Housing for Adults with Disabilities.
Group Homes for Disabled Adults
If your loved one wants to enjoy the benefits of independent living, but still needs assistance from time to time, group homes and adult family homes could be a wonderful housing solution!
Living in a supportive group home among peers with similar needs may be the perfect opportunity for your loved one. Depending on the program, these homes may also be staffed with compassionate caregivers for round-the-clock help with tasks such as scheduling appointments and assisting with personal needs.
Group homes are for adults who don’t require advanced care, but who cannot live fully independently. They also provide a built-in circle of peers who can end up feeling more like family.
Assisted Living for Disabled Adults
Individuals with disabilities may turn to assisted living facilities, where they live in their own unit within an apartment building or complex. Caregivers come to their units to assist with tasks such as bathing, administering medicine, and cleaning. In most assisted living facilities, residents have the freedom to cook in their own kitchen or share a meal in a communal dining hall. This gives residents the choice of having alone time, or spending time with peers!
Skilled Nursing Facilities
Skilled nursing facilities, also known as nursing homes, are often reserved for individuals with more demanding special needs assistance. Medical care is offered 24/7 by highly skilled caregivers. Families resort to sending their loved one to nursing homes when it becomes clear that they can no longer take care of them on their own. Nursing homes are specially equipped and staffed to ensure constant safety and supervision of residents. This allows family members peace of mind, knowing their loved one is in good hands.
While skilled nursing facilities are quite expensive, in many cases, an individual with complex medical needs and minimal assets can qualify for Medicaid coverage that will take care of nursing home payments. These facilities can be an incredible place to live for someone who needs frequent care, but cannot rely on a family member at all times.
Covey’s Community of Growth
Your home is a significant part of your life that offers security, a place to rest your head at night, and the company of people you love. When it comes to finding residency for adults with physical or intellectual disabilities, it’s important to take time to find the right fit.
At Covey, we are devoted to helping individuals with disabilities grow in every aspect of their lives. Independence goes hand-in-hand with personal development, which is why we are excited to launch Adult Family Homes (AFH) to our clients later this year.
Our AFHs are designed for adults who wish to move out of their parents’ house, but need support to do so. These adults are able to explore their newfound freedom, such as developing daily living skills and expanding their social circle in the community. But they don’t have to do it alone. Each AFH has compassionate caregivers to schedule appointments, help administer medication, coordinate transportation, and much more. Plus, each AFH houses three other Covey clients, making it truly feel like home.
For more information on the progress of our Adult Family Homes, follow us on Facebook!
