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Supported living is a residential model where individuals with disabilities live in their own home or apartment (not a group home or facility) with whatever level of support they need to maintain independence. Support can range from a few hours per week of drop-in assistance to 24-hour live-in staffing. Services include help with daily living activities, cooking, shopping, budgeting, medication management, community access, and social engagement. The individual holds the lease or mortgage — if the support agency changes, the person stays in their home. This distinguishes supported living from group homes, where the agency controls the housing. Supported living embodies the principle that housing and services should be separate: everyone deserves a place of their own, regardless of the intensity of support they need.
Supported living is available through many HCBS waivers and represents the most integrated residential option. Families planning for their child's adult life should explore supported living early and understand the waiver services that fund it.