Supported Living Services (SLS)

What Are Supported Living Services?

Supported Living Services (SLS) provide intensive, individualized support that helps adults with developmental disabilities live in their own homes or community settings. Unlike group home models, SLS allows people to maintain their independence while having access to the help they need.

Our SLS program combines practical skill training with ongoing support. We're there to teach, guide, and assist - but always with the goal of promoting self-direction and community inclusion.

What's Included in Our SLS Program

Community Awareness & Integration

• Navigating local neighborhoods safely
• Using public transportation and ride services
• Accessing community resources and programs
• Building connections with neighbors
• Participating in recreational activities
• Understanding community rules and norms

Healthy Cooking & Nutrition

• Meal planning and grocery shopping
• Food safety and proper storage
• Following recipes and cooking techniques
• Healthy eating choices
• Kitchen safety and equipment use
• Dietary restriction management

Self-Advocacy Skills

• Speaking up for personal needs and wants
• Understanding rights and responsibilities
• Communicating effectively with service providers
• Making informed choices
• Setting personal boundaries
• Problem-solving and decision-making

Specialized Support Services

• Behavior support and intervention
• Medication administration and monitoring
• Personal care assistance when needed
• Coordination with medical providers
• Crisis intervention
• Mental health support

Who Benefits from SLS?

Supported Living Services are designed for individuals who:

• Want to live in their own home or apartment (not a facility)
• Need more intensive support than ILS provides
• Require hands-on assistance with daily activities
• Benefit from consistent structure and supervision
• Are working on specific behavioral or health goals
• Need help accessing community resources

SLS works well for people transitioning from institutional settings, those leaving family homes, or individuals whose needs have increased beyond what lighter-touch services can provide.

Our SLS Philosophy

We believe everyone deserves to live in the most integrated setting possible. SLS makes that possible for people who would otherwise need facility-based care.

Person-Centered Planning

The person receiving services is at the center of all decisions. We don't impose a standard program - we build support around each individual's preferences, goals, and daily routines.

Community First

We emphasize participation in regular community activities rather than segregated disability-only programs. Our clients shop at regular stores, attend community events, and connect with neighbors.

Teaching, Not Doing

Whenever possible, we teach clients to complete tasks themselves rather than doing things for them. This builds competence and confidence over time.

Natural Supports

We help clients develop relationships and supports beyond paid staff - friendships, community connections, and other resources they can rely on.

How SLS Works Day-to-Day

Support intensity varies based on individual needs. Some clients need staff present for several hours daily. Others require less frequent check-ins combined with on-call availability.

Typical Support Activities:

Morning Routines: Assistance with waking up, personal care, medication, breakfast, and getting ready for the day.

Daytime Activities: Support accessing day programs, medical appointments, volunteering, or job sites. Teaching skills like transportation use or errand completion.

Evening Routines: Help with meal preparation, cleaning, evening medication, and preparing for bed.

Community Integration: Accompanying clients to social activities, teaching them how to participate independently, facilitating connections.

Crisis Support: Being available when problems arise - whether it's a health issue, conflict with a roommate, or emotional distress.

SLS Living Arrangements

Our SLS program supports various living situations:

Independent Apartments: Clients rent their own place with staff support coming to them.

Shared Housing: Roommates with disabilities share an apartment or house with staff support.

Host Family Homes: Clients live with a family that provides support (sometimes called "adult foster care").

Supported Housing: Apartment buildings with on-site staff available to residents.

We help families and regional centers determine which arrangement best fits someone's needs, preferences, and budget.

Specialized Services Within SLS

Behavioral Support

For clients with challenging behaviors, our trained staff implement positive behavior support plans developed by behavioral specialists. We focus on understanding what triggers problems and teaching alternative skills.

Health & Medical Coordination

We maintain close contact with doctors, nurses, and therapists. Staff help schedule appointments, communicate about health changes, and ensure medical recommendations are followed.

Mental Health Support

Many of our clients have co-occurring mental health conditions. We coordinate with psychiatrists and therapists, monitor medication effects, and provide crisis intervention when needed.

Forensic Services

We work with clients involved in the criminal justice system, supporting compliance with probation requirements while addressing underlying issues.

Getting Started with SLS

Step 1: Contact us to discuss the individual's support needs and living preferences.

Step 2: We'll complete a comprehensive assessment of current functioning and required assistance levels.

Step 3: Together with the regional center, we determine if SLS is the right service and at what intensity.

Step 4: We help identify appropriate housing options if needed.

Step 5: Services begin with an orientation period and gradual transition into the full support schedule.

Related Services

• [Independent Living Services (ILS) →]
• [Intensive Behavioral Support →]
• [Nursing Support Services →]
• [Housing Assistance Program →]

For Case Managers

Referral Information:

Vendor #HX0767 | Service Code 896

Current capacity: [UPDATE REGULARLY]

Specialties: Community integration, behavioral support, complex medical needs

Accepted populations: Standard DD clients, forensic, IMD transitions, dual diagnosis

Contact: [Direct line for case managers]