Español
or
Navigate Life Texas: Resources for kids with disabilities and special needs
Navigate Life Texas: Resources for kids with disabilities and special needs
Jump to topics on this page:
A group home is one of the housing choices for young adults with disabilities and special health care needs. A group home is not ideal for everyone, and there are many things to consider in finding one that is the right fit for your child.
It’s a good idea to start thinking about your child’s future early when they are still young. We have heard from parents and other experts that it’s also a good idea to apply for benefits for your child as soon as you can, such as Medicaid and Social Security Income (SSI) disability benefits. See our Transition to Adulthood section and our transition planning page for more help.
A group home is a place where a small group of people live together. Residents are usually on the same daily schedule. There are different types of group homes for children, adults and older adults with different needs.
Staff at the group home can help with your child’s needs, including:
If your child has an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD), start with your local IDD authority (LIDDA). The Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) website has more information on IDD and long-term care, like group homes and intermediate care facilities (ICFs).
If your child has the Medicaid Home and Community-based Services (HCS) waiver, HHS has a search for HCS group homes with openings. Group homes and ICFs are licensed and inspected by HHS.
There are also private group homes. You can search online or connect with other parents for ideas.
Not all group homes are the same. It’s important to take your time when looking for one. Don’t give up if your first try is not a good fit. You can always try another one.
Here are some things to look for or ask at a group home:
HHS has a list of questions you can use to help find the right group home.
It’s a good idea to visit at different times of the day or week to see what the home and staff are like. Think about whether your child will be safe and happy there.
Group homes might be free for your child and family, or they might cost a lot.
Three things to know about group home costs:
It might feel overwhelming to think about where your child will live as an adult when you can't care for them anymore. A group home is not the only option. There are places like state supported living centers. Some families set up apartments next to each other where a few adult children live, and family members work together to check in.
If your child has the Medicaid HCS waiver, there is also a “host home/companion care” option. With it, your child can live with you or another family. And you could get paid as your child’s caregiver. You could also hire caregivers to come into your home. Your home would have to meet certain criteria and be checked by HHS.
Some parents also use HCS or other waiver funds to set up independent living situations for their children, either alone or with roommates, in a private home or apartment. If you’re interested in HCS options, call 855-937-2372 to talk to a trained professional.
Adults Independent and Motivated (AIM) is working on different, creative ideas for housing. Places like Down Home Ranch are also creating new options. And parents are working together with their adult children. Texas Parent to Parent has an article on how to set up a parent-run home. You can contact Texas Parent to Parent for housing ideas and help with creating your own group home.