Ready to live on your own?

Once you’re sure that you’re willing and able to live on your own, you have a few options for housing. 

These include:

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

An ADU is a small housing unit located within a freestanding home or on shared property. This might include a garage, a tiny home in the backyard, a mother-in-law suite, or a self-contained apartment. A home like this has the benefit of being your own home. 

Living with Roommate(s) 

You could choose to live with a family member or friend. Roommates may either have their own homes already, or you can select a brand-new place together. This could be a good way to be sure you have someone who cares about you to help with certain daily tasks, as well as to share expenses.

It’s important to know that, in Nevada and some other states, Medicaid covers long-term care services and support in homes or communities. They may be available through the state’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver.

Host Homes

A host home, sometimes called an adult foster care home, means that a family has opened its home to people with disabilities. The family provides a supportive, comfortable environment for the individual, doing such things as offering meals, assisting with ADLs, and even just companionship. 

Section 8 Housing

This type of housing is designed to meet the requirements of Section 8 of the Housing Act, which is a law that helps low-income people afford to live independently. People with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) usually qualify for this program. 

Those who qualify receive vouchers to help pay for housing. With these vouchers, only one-third of your total income can go toward the cost of housing. The rest is paid by the government.

Group Home/Supportive Housing

Group homes, which are also sometimes called supportive housing, are homes where a group of people with special needs, who might not otherwise be able to live on their own, can share the same home. They may have their own bedrooms and bathrooms but share common areas, such as living rooms and kitchens. Many such homes have counselors or aides that can help residents with certain tasks. They can also be helpful in creating a feeling of community, where residents support each other and understand one another’s concerns.

Assisted Living Facilities

A person with disabilities may also be able to live independently in their own apartment or building, within a community that offers a staff that provides care for some activities of daily living, such as bathing, cleaning, or preparing meals. However, this option would not be appropriate for someone who needs round-the-clock care. 

Be sure to visit our section on Transition Services to learn more about the steps to take to make living on your own a reality.