Living Options
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Lanterman believes that the individuals we support should participate in family life and in the community where they live. A high priority is placed on supporting adults living as independently as possible in their communities. Whether you are an adult living at home with family with support, would like to move out on your own with or without support, or explore other living options, such as licensed residential care homes, we have resources to help you make informed choices about your preferred living options.
Living Independently
When an adult chooses to live in his or her own apartment, applying for subsidized housing or Section 8 housing may be appropriate. Both Section 8 Housing and subsidized housing options typically have a long wait list (an application should be made well in advance).
Independent Living Services (ILS) is a time-limited training provided to adults who plan to move out on their own, or are already living independently, and need some support to develop skills identified through the Individual Program Plan and Assessment process. Training needs are typically in areas of daily living, and may include budgeting/money management, household chores, shopping, meal preparation, scheduling and attending medical appointments, community access, use of public transportation, reading and understanding correspondence, emergency planning, applying for and utilizing generic resources such as In Home Support Services (IHSS) and more.
View the Independent Living Skills (ILS) Training and Support Service Standard
Supported Living Services (SLS) are services and supports designed for persons to live in homes that they own, lease or rent, and are intended to complement generic and natural supports such as IHSS. This service is customized for each individual to meet the needs identified in their Individual Program Plan. The range of services and supports may include, but not limited to:
- assistance in finding a home;
- social, behavioral and daily living skills training and support; and
- hiring and training individuals to provide personal care.
- SLS provides 24/7 emergency responding and supports through a vendored service provider and are tailored to the needs and preferences of the individual receiving services.
An individual may need ongoing support, while another individual may only require training and habilitation services with the goal to increase a person’s ability to meet his or her own needs without support.
View the Supported Living Services Standard
Personal Assistance Supports (PAS) can be provided to an individual who is either living at home with family or living independently. PAS is designed to provide additional supports to allow the individual to approximate typical activities of daily living, and can include assistance with daily living skills, household management, or access to the community. PAS can be provided through a vendored agency or through Participant Directed PAS, which allows the individual the flexibility to identify their preferred PAS worker through a Financial Management Service.
Licensed Residential Homes
Licensed residential homes located in community settings provide varying levels of support while encouraging independent access to community resources. Licensed options include Community Care Facilities, Intermediate Care Facilities or Specialized Residential Facilities. This service is provided to adults who prefer to live in a licensed residence, where they will receive care and supervision through the facility.
The goal for all residential living options is to maintain the highest level of independence possible while offering the individual a safe place to live and 24-hour support. All living arrangements should provide an atmosphere of respect for the individual’s preferences, values, cultural choices and beliefs, while maximizing individual growth and self-sufficiency. Individuals supported by the regional center who are eligible for Supplemental Security Income use this income or Medi-Cal benefits to pay in part for residential services.
Family Home Agencies (FHA)
A Family Home Agency approves family homes which offer the opportunity for up to two adults with developmental disabilities per home to reside with a family and share in the interaction and responsibilities of being part of a family. The individual receives the necessary services and support from the family and benefits from a home arrangement that allows the sharing of food, shelter, experience and responsibilities. The FHA ensures that the family home receives the necessary training, monitoring and appropriate supports and services to ensure the match between the individual and the family home continues to be a viable fit. For more information on FHA options, contact your service coordinator. If you are interested in becoming a Certified Family Host, check out the Becoming a Provider section of our website.