Although I’m not there yet, I’m told it’s incredibly difficult to watch your kids grow up and move away from home for the first time. But for families of adult children with special needs, independent living is not a standard milestone.
I came across this article from The Portland Press Herald that tells the story of families who got tired of waiting for government and other social agencies to provide the kind of housing and supports that their dependent, but high-functioning, adult children required. With advice and guidance from Specialized Housing, Inc., one family purchased a 116-year old building with the goal to “transform the property into a nine-bedroom condominium for young adults with developmental disabilities. Each resident’s family would own his or her bedroom and share a common kitchen, living room and other communal space.”
While government-subsidized group homes are familiar, this project differs in one key aspect: each unit is owned by the respective families and can be bought and sold, as needed, just like any other regular condominium unit. In addition to the initial purchase price, families pay $1,700 per month to cover supported living expenses, like food, utilities and live-in staff. Aside from offering increased independence for residents and their families, overall government-funded support for longterm care is significantly reduced.
It is not meant to be a “one size fits all” solution. But for those young adults with family support, and families with the incredible will to bootstrap a unique solution, it’s the next best thing to being in the family home. In many cases, it’s even better.