Introduction
Everyone needs a place to live. Typically there are three options: living with your family, living with roommates or housemates, or renting or buying a place of your own. This is true for everyone. For some people with disabilities and some elderly folks (as well as others) there is another option – living in a group or congregate situation with staff to help care for you to the extent you may need assistance. This can be in a group home, a home for seniors, a nursing facility or similar situation. Congregate housing is living in a shared environment, sharing space, costs and supports. There will be staff to provide support services that can include personal assistance, cooking, laundry and the like.
In the pages that follow we offer general information on types of housing options, links to legislation which governs housing for individuals with disabilities and for seniors, accessibility, financial support and more. These are selected resources; there are others. Each web site will link to more information. The information provided covers the range of options to assist you in making informed decisions.
We’ve also included links to national organizations with extensive web sites and resources on housing, including the Social Security Administration, American Association of Retired People (AARP), U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and Disability.gov. As you look through these resources we suggest you also consider contacting disability organizations and agencies in your state that specialize in services for individuals like you and who are available to talk about options for you. Check the KIN State-Specific Info for lists of disability organizations and state agencies in your state. http://www.familysupportclearinghouse.org/Pages/StateSpecificInfo.aspx