Living Arrangements
Soon after parents come to grips with their child's special needs, they begin to wonder about his future. The question of where he will live is one of their important concerns. There are several common options, but the number of arrangements is endless.
Independence
The preferred goal, if at all possible, is to help your child progress to the point where he can live independently. Although this depends on the unique circumstances of the individual, those with some kinds of special needs are more apt to live on their own. Individuals who are deaf, blind, or have a learning disability are likely to develop the strategies needed to live independently, using assistance from outside of the home as needed.
Someone who is deaf might use an interpreter for communication in school, business transactions, and medical or legal appointments. An interpreter, however, does not need to live in the house. A person with ADHD might seek the assistance of a coach to help in organizational skills. Again, that coach would not live in the same house.
Where do adults with disabilities live?
The answer depends on the family structure, type and extent of the disability, and how well the individual can compensate. With learned strategies, education, and adapted equipment, many adults with disabilities lead completely independent lives. Others need support or even total care throughout their lives.
Living with a Relative
In some instances, the individual will live with a relative. When his parents are no longer able to care for him or offer their home as a place to stay, a family member provides the needed housing and day-to-day support. In this model, the provider is often (but not always) a sibling.
HCB Programs
In the past, an individual who was mentally retarded might live at home or in a nursing home or institution. A home and community-based program (HCB) provides services to assist the individual in living in the community. He may live in a choice of settings based on his needs: the individual's home, group home, or Intermediate Care Facility for the Mentally Retarded (ICF/MR). In some cases, the most appropriate living arrangement continues to be an institution, nursing home, or qualifying hospital.
The Mental Retardation or Developmental Disabilities Living (MR/DD Living) website lists the following services of HCB programs:
Case management
Homemaker
Home health aide services
Personal care services
Adult day care
Habilitation
Respite care
The goal is for the individual to live in an environment where he is able to function as independently as possible, while receiving the benefit of socialization from others in the community. In order to do this, some support services may be needed. The amount of support depends on the individual's needs and whether it is a reasonable use of available funding.
