When people think about housing for adults with disabilities, they often picture living independently or moving into a group home. However, there's another option that receives far less attention: Shared Living. 

Shared Living is a community-based housing model that allows adults with disabilities to share a home with another individual, family, or carefully matched housemates while receiving personalized support. For many people, it provides a balance of independence, companionship, and daily assistance in a smaller, more home-like environment.

Although Shared Living has become an important housing option in many states, it's often confused with Supported Living, group homes, and adult residential care. Knowing the differences can help families choose a living arrangement that best supports their loved one's goals, abilities, and long-term needs.

What Is Shared Living?

Shared Living developed as a community-based alternative to larger residential settings, giving adults with disabilities the opportunity to live in a smaller household while receiving personalized support based on their individual needs.

Unlike larger residential settings, Shared Living typically focuses on creating a smaller, more personal household where individuals receive support while maintaining as much independence as possible.

Depending on the program, support may include:

Daily Living Assistance 

Daily living assistance includes support with everyday tasks such as getting dressed, bathing, preparing meals, managing personal hygiene, and other activities needed to live safely and independently.

Meal Preparation

Meal preparation involves planning, cooking, and serving nutritious meals while encouraging individuals to participate as much as they are able based on their skills and abilities.

Transportation

Transportation helps individuals travel safely to medical appointments, work, school, shopping, community activities, and other important destinations.

Budgeting

Budgeting involves learning how to manage money, pay bills, track expenses, and make informed financial decisions to support greater independence.

Household Responsibilities

Household responsibilities include everyday tasks such as cleaning, doing laundry, washing dishes, organizing living spaces, and helping maintain a safe and comfortable home.

Community Participation

Community participation encourages individuals to take part in activities outside the home, such as volunteering, attending events, shopping, dining out, visiting parks, or participating in local programs to build confidence and social connections.

Medication Reminders

Medication reminders provide prompts and encouragement to help individuals remember when to take their prescribed medications. (Support staff do not administer medications unless permitted by state regulations and the individual's care plan.)

Social and Recreational Activities

Social and recreational activities include hobbies, sports, arts and crafts, music, games, outings, and other activities that encourage friendship, personal interests, physical activity, and community involvement.

The level of support varies based on the individual's needs, goals, and service plan.

What Are Shared Living Arrangements?

A shared living arrangement refers to the way the home is organized.

Rather than living alone, an individual shares a residence with others while receiving personalized support.

Depending on the provider, this may include:

• Living with a host family.

• Sharing a home with another adult receiving services.

• Living with roommates in a community-based home.

• Living in a home where support staff provide assistance as needed.

Every Shared Living arrangement is different. The goal is to create a stable home environment that encourages independence while providing support when necessary.

How Does Shared Living Work? 

Shared Living begins with understanding the individual's unique needs, preferences, and long-term goals. Rather than placing people into the first available home, providers work to find a living arrangement that is both supportive and compatible.

While the process varies by provider and state, it typically includes several steps:

Assessment

The first step is an assessment to better understand the individual's daily living skills, support needs, personality, interests, medical or behavioral considerations, and housing goals. This information helps determine whether Shared Living is an appropriate option.

Compatibility

Successful Shared Living depends on more than simply having space available. Providers often consider compatibility by looking at factors such as personalities, routines, communication styles, hobbies, and lifestyle preferences to help create a positive living environment for everyone involved.

Provider Matching

Once a Shared Living arrangement is determined to be appropriate, individuals may be matched with a host family, housemate, or Shared Living provider who can provide the level of support identified during the assessment process. The goal is to build a stable, long-term living arrangement rather than a temporary placement.

Individualized Support Plan

Every person receives a support plan tailored to their unique needs. Some individuals may need assistance with budgeting, transportation, meal preparation, or household responsibilities, while others may require support with community participation, employment, or developing independent living skills.

Ongoing Reviews

Shared Living isn't a one-time decision. Support plans are reviewed regularly to make sure services continue meeting the individual's changing needs and personal goals. As people gain new skills or their circumstances change, the level of support can be adjusted to encourage continued independence.

What Is Life Sharing?

You may also hear the term Life Sharing when researching disability housing.

In many states, Life Sharing and Shared Living describe similar housing models. Both involve an adult with a disability living in a private home with another individual or family who provides support, companionship, and assistance with everyday life.

Some organizations use the terms interchangeably, while others define them slightly differently based on state regulations or program requirements.

Although the names vary, the overall goal remains the same: helping adults with disabilities live in community-based homes rather than institutional settings whenever appropriate.

Shared Living vs. Group Homes

Although people sometimes use the terms interchangeably, Shared Living and Group Housing are not necessarily the same.

Shared Living generally involves fewer residents and places greater emphasis on individualized relationships and a family-like home environment.

Group homes, such as a licensed adult residential care home, typically provides:

• Multiple residents living together.

• Professional caregivers and direct support staff.

• Structured daily routines.

• Individualized care plans.

• State licensing and oversight.

Neither option is inherently better than the other. The right choice depends on each person's support needs, goals, and level of independence.

Shared Living vs. Supported Living

Shared Living and Supported Living share many similarities, but they are not identical.

With Supported Living Services (SLS), an individual typically lives in their own apartment or home while receiving scheduled support from service providers.

With Shared Living, the individual shares a home with another person or family and receives support as part of the shared household.

Both models encourage independence while providing assistance based on the individual's needs.

What Is Housing for Adults with Disabilities Called?

There isn't one single type of housing for adults with disabilities. Depending on an individual's needs, available options may include:

• Supported Living Services (SLS)

• Shared Living

• Group homes

• Adult Residential Care Homes

• Independent Living

• Adult Foster Care

• Assisted Living (for eligible individuals)

• Family homes

Each option provides a different level of supervision, support, and independence.

The best choice depends on the person's abilities, preferences, medical needs, behavioral support requirements, and long-term goals.

Who Benefits Most From Shared Living?

Shared Living may be a good option for adults who:

• Want more independence than a traditional residential setting.

• Enjoy living with others.

• Benefit from companionship and social interaction.

• Need some assistance with daily living activities.

• Do not require 24-hour medical care or intensive supervision.

• Prefer a smaller, home-like environment.

Because every individual's needs are different, housing decisions should always be based on a comprehensive assessment rather than diagnosis alone.

Is Shared Living Available in California?

Yes. California offers a variety of community-based housing models for adults with developmental disabilities, including Shared Living opportunities in some communities.

Availability varies by location and service provider, and some programs may be coordinated through California Regional Centers or nonprofit organizations that support adults with developmental disabilities.

Families interested in Shared Living should contact their local Regional Center or community service provider to learn what options are available in their area.

When Shared Living May Not Be the Best Fit

While Shared Living works well for many adults, it isn't the right solution for everyone.

Individuals who require:

• 24-hour supervision.

• Significant behavioral support.

• Ongoing medication management.

• Complex daily care.

• A highly structured environment.

may benefit more from a licensed Adult Residential Care Home.

Providers such as Center for Behavioral Change offer structured, community-based residential homes where trained staff provide around-the-clock support while helping residents build daily living skills, participate in community activities, and live as independently as possible within a safe and supportive environment.

Organizations That Help Families Explore Housing Options

Families don't have to navigate housing decisions alone.

Organizations that may help explain available housing options include:

• California Regional Centers

• Disability advocacy organizations

• Local nonprofit service providers

• Community resource centers

• Organizations such as The Arc, which provide advocacy, education, and resources for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families

These organizations can help families better understand housing models, available services, and eligibility requirements.

Is Shared Living Right for My Loved One? 

Parents and caregivers can ask themselves: 

• Does my loved one enjoy living with others?
• Would companionship improve their quality of life?
• Do they need occasional or ongoing support?
• Would they be comfortable sharing household responsibilities?
• Would a smaller household be preferable to a larger residential setting?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Shared Living the same as a group home?

No. Shared Living generally involves a smaller household with individualized support, while group homes provide structured care for multiple residents under state licensing requirements.

What is collaborative housing?

Collaborative housing is a broad term that describes people sharing housing and resources to create a supportive living environment. Shared Living is one example of a collaborative housing model for adults with disabilities.

Can adults with autism participate in Shared Living?

Yes. Some adults with autism may benefit from Shared Living if it matches their goals, preferences, and support needs.

Is Shared Living available throughout California?

Availability varies by community, Regional Center, and local service providers. Families should contact their local Regional Center to learn what options exist in their area.

Is Shared Living the same as independent living?

No. Independent living generally means living on your own with little or no formal support. Shared Living combines community living with ongoing assistance and companionship.

Shared Living Is One of Many Housing Options 

Shared Living can be an excellent option for adults who enjoy living with others while maintaining as much independence as possible. For some individuals, the smaller, relationship-focused environment offers the right combination of support, stability, and community involvement.

At the same time, Shared Living isn't the right fit for everyone. Some adults may do well with Supported Living Services in their own apartment, while others may require the structure and around-the-clock support provided by a licensed Adult Residential Care Home.

Understanding how each housing model works, and how they differ, allows families to make informed decisions based on the individual's unique strengths, support needs, and future goals.