Last updated on January 3rd, 2025 at 05:43 pm
Many adults with disabilities can’t live entirely on their own. Like everyone else, though, they want to be as independent as possible, stay active in their communities, and make choices about their own lives.
Washington State’s Supported Living Services are designed to help individuals receive the support they need while living semi-independently. This program aims to promote self-determination, independence, and confidence for adults with a wide variety of skill levels and needs.
What Are Supported Living Services?
Supported and Community Living Services in Washington State help people with developmental disabilities live in a home in the community rather than in an institution. Clients receive support as needed from dedicated care professionals through a certified Supported Living Provider like Sunrise Services. The goal is to help clients live as independently as possible.
Supported Living is a highly individualized service. Some clients only need a few hours of support each month, while others need support up to 24 hours a day. It all depends on the client’s needs.
How Supported Living Works
Housing
Some Supported Living clients share a home with at least one housemate where each individual has their own room. However, many clients cannot live with a roommate due to their support needs and requirement of 24-hour care. Some may also choose to live on their own if they don’t need 24-hour support and can afford to do so.
Not every client needs to move to a new home to receive services. In some cases, Supported Living providers can deliver services to the home where a new client already lives. However, Supported Living isn’t available to individuals who live in a parent’s home.
Medical Care
Supported Living clients meet their healthcare needs through community health providers. The program helps clients schedule and attend appointments. Care professionals can also help clients take the medications they are prescribed or follow directions from their doctors.
Expenses
Clients are expected to pay their portion of rent, utilities, food, some transportation costs, other household expenses, and any personal expenses. Some Supported Living clients use benefits like social security, food assistance, Section 8 housing, and utility discounts to pay these expenses. The program encourages clients to apply for any benefits they are eligible for.
Clients also must pay Supported Living providers based on DDA’s (Developmental Disabilities Administration) rate assessment. The rate takes into account the client’s situation and whether care staff are shared with other people in the home.
Many Supported Living clients have guardians. In Washington state, Supported Living clients only pay guardianship fees after their basic living needs have been met. The guardian can’t collect fees if the client can’t afford them.
Who Benefits From Supported Living?
To receive Supported Living services, clients must be:
- At least 18 years old.
- Enrolled in Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) services and Medicaid.
- Assessed by the DDA as needing Supported Living services.
- Approved for the CORE Waiver or the Community Protection Waiver.
There is a wide continuum of supported and community living services in Washington for individuals with different needs. Some programs gladly accept clients who have dual diagnoses or major behavioral challenges.
Does Supported Living Make Sense For Your Loved One?
Supported Living is often a good option for adults who can’t live fully independently but don’t want to live in an institution, including adults with developmental disabilities. The program prioritizes clients’ comfort and personal goals.
To request Supported Living services, you typically need to work with a case manager or contact DDA’s Service and Information Request Line. Sunrise Services can help potential clients and families with this process.
If you have questions about Supported Living, contact Sunrise Services today.
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