Residential Home vs. Supported Living: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve been searching for Supported Living options in Idaho, it’s important to understand some key differences between a traditional Residential Home and Supported Living arrangements. RISE Services, Inc. Idaho supports adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in choosing living settings that match their unique preferences and needs. Whether you’re exploring Supported Living for yourself or a loved one, knowing how these options work can help you make an informed decision.

What is a Residential Home?

A Residential Home is a shared living environment managed by an agency. Individuals with IDD typically share their space with others, and staff support daily routines and personal care. Residential Homes provide structure, maintain communal areas, and schedule activities, offering a more supervised form of independent living.

• Residents do not generally have leases in their names.
• Roommates are usually assigned by the agency based on availability and compatibility.
• Staff are present to help with tasks like cooking, medication management, and transportation.

What is Supported Living?

Supported Living is designed for adults who want greater independence and control over their living situation. Individuals can choose to live alone or with roommates in their own apartment or house, with support tailored to their needs.

• Participants often hold leases in their own names.
• Choices about where to live and whom to live with are part of the process, with varying levels of input based on each situation.
• RISE Services, Inc. Idaho brings support directly to the individual’s home, assisting with daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, and budgeting while encouraging independence whenever possible.
• Supported Living services support individuals as they maintain independent living skills, participate actively in their community, and make decisions about their day-to-day life.

How RISE Idaho Supports Independent Living

Supported Living through RISE Services, Inc. Idaho offers both hourly and 24-hour support, depending on a person’s needs. Services are customized, focusing on skills like decision-making, community access, personal care, and household management. The approach emphasizes people’s rights to choose where they live, who they live with, where they work, and how they spend their time. Medicaid reimburses these services, making Supported Living a practical and accessible option for adults with IDD.

Choosing the Best Option

Each person’s path to independent living is unique. Some may thrive in the structure of a Residential Home, while others prefer the flexibility and autonomy of Supported Living. If you’d like to explore Supported Living options with RISE Idaho, contact us to learn more about our mission and how we can support you or your loved one.