Many children with special needs remain in a parent’s home after they become adults, with their parents continuing to be their primary caregivers. However, as children get older, their need for independence may change, as well as their housing options. Supplemental programs that previously were available to help parents care for their child with disabilities may no longer be available once that child turns 18 or 21. Parents also age as time passes, and they must plan for a future where they can no longer care for their child’s needs. Since stable housing is a critical and primary need, it is arguably the most important consideration in planning for the future of your adult child with special needs.
Considerations in Determining Housing
Parents must consider various factors in determining the best housing situation for their adult child with special needs. Among those considerations is the level of care that the child requires. While some adults with disabilities can live independently in an apartment with minimal assistance, others need 24/7 care. Parents must consider both cognitive abilities in terms of the ability to make good decisions and physical needs.
Another consideration is money. While some parents may be able to fund an independent living situation or privately pay for additional care, at least initially, the ability to continue to pay for that care after parents have passed may not be available or realistic. Whether an adult child has access to any inheritance or must rely on government programs will make a difference in the type of housing that they can access. The existence of supportive family members, such as siblings, also can determine the affordability and availability of care.
Types of Housing for Individuals with Special Needs
Federally Subsidized Housing
Those individuals who can live mostly independently and have mild or moderate special needs may benefit from federally subsidized housing. For instance, some Section 8 project-based housing complexes provide apartments for individuals with disabilities. Individuals typically pay 30% of their gross income toward rent, with some deductions, so it can be affordable for individuals receiving only SSI or SSDI benefits.
However, many communities have long waiting lists for Section 8 housing complexes and Section Housing Choice Vouchers. Although landlords receiving Section 8 funds are supposed to meet certain habitability standards, as a practical matter, they do not always meet those standards. Furthermore, individuals with more complex special needs or physical disabilities may not be able to live alone or without a more supervised level of care.
Group Homes
Some individuals with special needs live in group homes or supportive housing arrangements with other people who have special needs. In some cases, the home is supervised by live-in caregivers. In other cases, the residents live without live-in assistance but may receive some assistance regularly or as needed. Group homes can offer a more social setting for individuals with disabilities and foster more independence. These living arrangements may be part of state programs or private facilities.
Intermediate Care Facilities for individuals with Development Disabilities and State Operated Developmental Centers
When individuals have severe disabilities that prevent them from living independently and have more complex needs, especially medical needs, that are difficult to provide for in a small group home setting, Intermediate-Care Facilities and State Operated Developmental Centers may be options as well. Just like group homes these are generally funded through Medicaid.
Contact Us Today to Learn More About Our Legal Services
Rubin Law is the only Illinois law firm to dedicate itself exclusively to providing compassionate legal services for children and adults with special needs. We offer unique legal and future planning techniques to meet your family’s individual needs.
Call us today at 866-TO-RUBIN or email us at email@rubinlaw.com to learn more about the services we can offer you and your family.
