Protecting an Elderly Loved One

How To Choose The Right Mentally Disabled Adult Home

by Margie Adams

If you have a loved one with a mental disability, you want to keep them independent as long as possible, but it is often difficult to find the right home. While some homes are safe and secure, others are in undesirable neighborhoods. Because of the person's disabilities, they are more vulnerable to harm. But how do you choose the right disabled adult homes? Here are a few things you want to consider. 

Location

As previously stated, you want a home that is in a safe location. But in addition to overall safety, look for homes in areas that offer the following:

  • Good lighting at night
  • Sidewalks and biking lanes
  • Clean leisure areas
  • Community stores
  • Public transportation

If you need to become more familiar with the city or the neighborhood, there are numerous apps you can use to check out crime-based statistics.

Other apps will also allow you to connect with the people in the neighborhood and get updated news on any suspicious activities or crimes in the area. 

Level of Support

The functioning level of a person with disabilities will often determine how independent they can live. For example, some people may be able to maintain a home with limited outside assistance.

These residents may need someone to check on them daily or a couple of times weekly to ensure they are on task to meet their needs. Others may need someone onsite around the clock to help with medication administration, meal prep, and money management.

There are numerous types of disabled adult homes to meet their needs. Some of these include:

  • Licensed care homes
  • Assisted living facilities
  • Group homes 
  • Supported housing
  • Independent living

Ensuring the person has the right support level often ensures their placement success.

Cost

Housing should be affordable. The National Alliance on Mental Illness recommends that housing be no more than 30% of a person's income. More than this can make it difficult for the person to afford their other living expenses. 

Unfortunately, many people with mental disabilities live on a limited income, which means affordable housing can be hard to locate. You may need to explore government-funded rental assistance programs like the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8). While these programs are under the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the administration of these programs varies from city to city.  

For more information about disabled adult homes, contact a local company like PROVIDENT LIFE INC.

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