Living independently
An apartment or home with little or no paid support. Natural supports, technology, transportation and money skills may still matter.
HOUSING & FUTURE LIVING
Plan the home and the support as two separate questions.
Where someone lives and how much support they need are related—but they are not the same decision. Planning them separately creates more options.
Supported living
Own apartment/home with scheduled support for daily living, community access, health, money or other needs.
Roommate / shared living
Living with one or more other people, sometimes with shared supports. Compatibility and clear roles matter.
Family home with more independence
Staying with family while intentionally increasing privacy, decision-making, routines, community access and backup support.
Host / companion model
In some systems, a person lives with a provider/host household or receives structured companion-style support.
Group / staffed residential setting
A shared residential setting with varying staffing levels. Quality, autonomy, rights and community integration can differ significantly.
Supportive housing
Affordable housing paired with voluntary or coordinated supports. Federal/state/local programs vary in eligibility and availability.
FUTURE LIVING CHECKLIST
Questions worth answering before a crisis.
- Where does the person want to live?
- How much support is actually needed—hours, overnight, emergency?
- What daily-living tasks require support?
- What happens if the usual caregiver is unavailable?
- How will rent, food, utilities and personal expenses be paid?
- Could a waiver or HCBS program fund support services?
- Are vouchers, Section 811 or local affordable-housing programs relevant?
- Is transportation workable from the location?
- How will loneliness and community participation be addressed?
- What can be practiced now before a move becomes urgent?
Housing assistance starting points
HUD's Section 811 program supports development and rental assistance for low-income adults with disabilities. Housing Choice Vouchers and state/local housing authorities may offer other pathways, but waiting lists and eligibility vary widely.
Build the support side too
Use the private Care Plan to map who can help, what routines matter, future successors, benefits and backup care.
Open My Care Plan