Supported Living for Adults With Disabilities: What Housing Options Really Exist in the U.S.?

Finding the right housing as an adult with a disability can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t need nursing care but do need consistent, live-in support.

Many adults and families ask the same questions:

• What options exist besides nursing homes?
• Is supported living affordable?
• Do residents have roommates?
• Is funding available through Medicaid or state programs?
• What does day-to-day life actually look like?

This article breaks down supported living for adults with disabilities in clear, practical terms, including what’s realistic, what varies by state, and how programs like residential care facilities actually work.

What Is Supported Living for Adults With Disabilities?

Supported living is a housing model designed for adults who want as much independence as possible, but still need help with daily life.

This may include support with:

• meals
• medication reminders
• personal care
• transportation
• life skills
• behavioral or mental health needs

Supported living is often confused with nursing homes, but it’s very different.

Supported living is:

• non-medical
• home-like
• focused on independence
• staffed by trained caregivers, licensed administrators, residential behavioral technicians,direct support professionals
• tailored to the individual’s abilities and goals

This model is commonly used for supported living for adults with learning disabilities, developmental disabilities, and certain mental health conditions.

What Types of Supported Living Housing Exist?

There is no single setup. Housing models vary widely depending on the provider and state regulations.

Shared Residential Homes (Group Living)

This is one of the most common models.

• A regular house in a neighborhood
• Several adults with disabilities live together
• A live-in or rotating caregiver provides support
• Residents may have private bedrooms and shared common areas

Some homes have:

• 2–3 residents

Others have:

• 5–6 residents

The setup depends on licensing rules and individual needs.

This model is similar to how many adult residential care facilities operate, including providers like Center for Behavioral Change, PALS, and ResCare.

Supported Living Apartments

In this model:

• Adults live in their own apartment or shared apartment
• Staff visit regularly or are on call
• Support is less intensive than group homes

This option works best for individuals who:

• are highly independent
• don’t need 24/7 supervision
• can manage most daily tasks with limited assistance

Availability depends heavily on state funding and housing programs.

Residential Communities or Campuses

Some adults live in residential communities designed specifically for people with disabilities.

These may include:

• cottages or small houses
• structured daily activities
• classes and skill-building programs
• on-site employment or off-site job support

Residents are often grouped by:

• support needs
• independence level
• behavioral or medical requirements

Higher-functioning residents may live with fewer people in a cottage, while others receive more hands-on support.

These programs are often private pay, though some accept limited state funding.

Do You Have Roommates in Supported Living?

In many cases, yes. Most supported living arrangements involve roommates, especially when care is funded through state programs.

However:

• many residents have private bedrooms
• shared kitchens and living spaces are common
• some programs offer single-occupancy units when funding allows

Roommate arrangements are usually designed carefully to match personalities, needs, and routines.

What Do Adults in Supported Living Do All Day?

This depends entirely on the individual.

Some adults:

• attend life skills classes
• participate in art, music, or fitness programs
• work on or off campus
• volunteer
• attend day programs

Examples of activities commonly offered include:

• art and crafts
• drama or theater
• choir or music
• geography or educational groups
• fishing, archery, or outdoor recreation
• equine programs
• community outings

Not everyone participates in classes. Some individuals need more hands-on support and follow a quieter, more structured daily routine.

Supported living is not one-size-fits-all.

Is Supported Living Covered by Medicaid or State Assistance?

This is one of the hardest parts.

The honest answer is: It depends on your state.

Some states offer:

• Medicaid waiver programs
• regional center funding
• home and community-based services (HCBS)

These programs may cover:

• staffing
• housing support
• daily care services

However:

• funding is limited
• waitlists are common
• coverage often does not include full housing costs
• availability varies widely by location

Many families find that even with assistance, supported living can still feel unaffordable.

This is why licensed residential care facilities often play a critical role. They combine housing, staffing, and support under one regulated structure, which can be more accessible than hiring private caregivers.

What About Hiring a Live-In Caregiver Privately?

Some people explore hiring a live-in caretaker directly.

This can work, but it comes with challenges:

• high cost
• employment laws
• backup coverage
• caregiver burnout
• lack of oversight or licensing

For many families, licensed providers offer more stability, structure, and accountability than private arrangements.

Why Regulation and Licensing Matter

Every state regulates supported living differently.

Licensed adult residential care facilities must meet standards related to:

• safety
• staffing
• training
• resident rights
• supervision
• care planning

This is why providers like Center for Behavioral Change, PALS, and ResCare operate within specific frameworks that balance independence with protection.

Regulation protects both residents and families.

Supported Living Options in West Covina, California

For families in West Covina and the surrounding Inland Empire and Los Angeles County, supported living options often include licensed adult residential care facilities that provide 24/7 support in home-like settings.

In West Covina, providers like Center for Behavioral Change offer residential care for adults who do not need nursing care but do need consistent supervision, life skills support, and behavioral or mental health services. These homes are designed to balance independence with safety, and typically include:

• shared residential homes in regular neighborhoods

• trained direct support professionals on site

• individualized care plans based on ability and goals

• support with daily living, routines, and community involvement

For many families, local residential care in West Covina can be a more realistic and stable option than trying to coordinate private caregivers or navigate limited state programs alone.

If you’re exploring supported living for adults with disabilities in West Covina, understanding how licensed residential care works locally can help clarify what options may be available.

Choosing the Right Supported Living Option

When exploring supported living for adults with disabilities, consider:

• level of daily support needed
• preference for roommates or private space
• funding options in your state
• structure versus flexibility
• behavioral or mental health needs
• long-term sustainability

There is no perfect solution. The goal is the best fit, not an idealized version of independence.

Supported living can offer dignity, safety, and community for adults with disabilities who don’t need nursing care but can’t live fully alone.

It can be expensive. It can be confusing. It can take time.

But for many individuals, supported living provides something essential:
a real home with the right level of support.

If you are exploring options, learning how programs work and what’s realistic in your state is the first step toward finding the right path forward.