Description
ISBN:
Published: 2025
Paperback
264 Pages
Moving Out: A Family Guide to Residential Planning for Adults with Disabilities
Finding the right residential situation for an adult child with a disability doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Thanks to the authors’ decades of experience counseling families on housing options, you can prepare yourself and your child for a new living arrangement. Discover the universal considerations most families face when putting plans in place:
- Planning early
- Selecting the residential model
- DIY or hire an agency
- Costs and funding
- Hiring staff
- Legal ownership
- Group or individual supported living
Table of Contents
Foreword
Introduction
CHAPTER 1 Getting Ready: Letting Go
When Is the “Right” Time to Start Planning?
Benefits of Planning Early
How Will You Know When You and Your Child Are Ready?
How Do You Begin the Discussion?
Become an Advocate for Residential Planning
Legal Steps You Can Take to Prepare for Residential Living
What You Can Do at Home to Prepare Your Child for Independence
CHAPTER 2 Residential Options
Community Residences—How We Got Here
Models of Residential Arrangements
Group Homes
Supported Independent Living
Hybrid Settings
Shared Living
Communities
The Rocky Road to Independence: Two Ways They Got There
Selecting a Neighborhood and Dealing with Neighbors
Group Home Model Planning Story #1 – Family Initiated
Group Home Model Planning Story #2
Supported Independent Living Model Story #1
Supported Independent Living Model Story #2
Shared Living Model Story
CHAPTER 3 What Would It Look Like?
Step One – Do Your Homework
Step Two – Be an Educated Consumer
Step Three – Obtain a Residential Assessment
Step Four – Decide Who Will Develop and Operate the Residential Arrangement
Choosing a Provider Agency
Obstacles You Might Encounter When Planning Residential Services
CHAPTER 4 Finances
No Entitlements to Housing Services
Cost Factors
Sources of Funds to Purchase the Residence
Sources of Funds to Operate the Residence
Reducing Costs by Sharing Expenses
Sample Budgets
CHAPTER 5 Ownership
Reasons to Consider Buying Property
Deciding Who Should Own the Property
CHAPTER 6 Staff and Personnel
Job Descriptions, Expectations, Qualifications, and Training
Staff Retention and Turnover
Should You Employ the Staff Directly or Use an Agency?
Basic Requirements for Employers
Going Beyond the Basics
Protecting Yourself
Interviewing and Hiring a Staff Person
Avoiding Conflicts with the Agency over Staff
CHAPTER 7 Your Continuing Role
Helping Your Child Make the Move
Settling In: Where Is “Home”?
Having a Formal Role
Supported Decision-Making
Having an Informal Role
Spending Time at the Residence
Helping Your Child Get Healthy and Stay Healthy
CHAPTER 8 On Their Own
Privacy
Individuality
Conflicts with Housemates
Sexuality and Relationships
Moving On – When Is It Time for a Change?
CHAPTER 9 Permanency and Longevity
Planning with Your Child’s Money: Maintaining Eligibility for Public Benefits
Planning with Your Own Money: Supplementing Public Benefits
Estate Planning: Is Equal Always Fair?
Accumulating the Funds
Protecting the Funds
Managing the Assets After You Are Gone
Transitioning to Future Caretakers
RESOURCES
Information Regarding Disabilities
APPENDICES
Individual Profile Form
TILL, Inc. Home Alone Assessment
Routine Essential Needs
Learning Style Assessment Tool
Home Safety Checklist
Program Maintenance Agreement with Management Company
Residents’ Personal Expense Worksheet
Budget Template
Public Benefits
Sources of Funds to Acquire and/or Operate a Residence
Live-In Expectations/Tenancy Agreement
Job Description – Residential Support Professional
Job Description – Individual Support Professional
Furnishings List
House Rules
About the Authors
Index
