Family-Run Individual Group Homes of Virginia
Empowering Families in Northern Virginia to Create, Finance, and Operate Individual Group Homes for their Loved Ones with a Disability.
How to Create, Finance, and Operate an Individual Group Home for your Loved One with a Disability
Under Virginia’s Sponsored Residential program, a Developmental Disability (DD) Community Living (CL) Waiver can be used by Virginia families to create and run an individual group home for their loved one with a disability. These funds can be used for anything the individual needs to be happy, healthy, and safe, including qualified staff, housing, day activities, medical care, food, etc. Social Security (SSI) disability benefits continue. Like other group homes, families need to comply with state requirements ensuring the individual is cared for properly.
Is running an Individual Group Home Right for you?
Creating an Individual Group Home under Virginia’s Sponsored Residential program requires a willing and capable family member (the Sponsor) to manage your loved one’s care and daily activities. Most Sponsors continue to live with and care for their loved one, paying for additional staff, support, and programs as needed. Like non-family-run group homes, Sponsors must comply with all state regulations, including completing daily progress notes, submitting to monthly and spot-inspections of your home, and transparency about your loved one’s care. In return you receive additional funds and the freedom to use those funds however you need to take care of your loved one. Click here to read “Our Story” about why I chose to create our Individual Group Home under Virginia’s Sponsored Residential Program.
How do I create an Individual Group Home for my Loved One?
While the regulations are extensive and can feel overwhelming, I will guide you every step of the way. As the single parent of an adult child with a disability, I’ve been in your shoes, wanting to do what’s right for me and my child, but feeling overwhelmed and uncertain. I’ll walk this road with you – side-by-side, and document-by-document – empowering you to start and run your Individual Group Home. Click here to request our Individual Group Home Roadmap and Housing Checklist so you can see what will be needed to make your house compliant.
Do Rental Properties qualify?
Yes, a rental townhouse, condo, apartment, or nearly any residence can qualify as a Virginia Sponsored Residential home as long as you can make any necessary improvements to make the home compliant. Click here to request our Individual Group Home Roadmap and Housing Checklist or to ask specific questions.
Can 2 individuals with disabilities live together?
Virginia’s Sponsored Residential Program allows for 1-2 individuals with disabilities to be housed in the home. This could include 2 family members with disabilities or 1 loved one with a disability and an additional non-related individual with a disability as a house mate. Both individuals’ Community Living Waiver funds would be paid to the Sponsor to provide the care and resources both individuals need.
I’ve taken care of my kid their whole life. Why so much oversight?
Sponsored Residential Homes need to comply with the same government regulations that non-family-run group homes do. Some families decide the extra tasks are too cumbersome and make other plans. But if you are like me – determined to keep my adult child with me but needing more support so I can continue to do that – operating an Individual Group Home under the Sponsored Residential Program may be worth it. Only you know what will work best for you and your family. Click here to request a phone call with me to learn more or talk through your options.
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We’d love to hear from you. We’re here to answer your questions and listen to your suggestions. I will get back to you within 1 business day. If you have not heard from me by then, please email me directly at [email protected].