Overview
Certified Residential Opportunities are offered in a variety of homes that are licensed, regulated, and overseen by the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). These types of homes have paid staff to support people with their daily needs and must meet certain environmental standards and regulatory requirements in order to be certified and authorized to provide services.
There are a variety of certified residential opportunities available to meet different levels of need, including Family Care Homes, Individualized Residential Alternatives (IRAs), which are also known as “group homes,” and Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs), as well as other temporary and more specifically tailored service models for more intensive support.
There is a process for determining eligibility for and accessing Certified Residential Opportunities. This process starts by looking at the most integrated and least restrictive living arrangement that will meet your needs, including remaining in your own home or family home with additional supports in place. For more information on the process please see: (LINK). If you are interested in a Certified Residential Opportunity, your Care Manager can help walk you through the process.
Family Care Homes
Family Care Homes are a type of certified residential opportunity where you live with another family in their home and they offer support, guidance and companionship, while providing a caring and stable home environment. Family Care Providers receive extensive training and provide a safe home where you can be active and enjoy all the things families enjoy, like eating together and spending time together.
This may be a good option for you if you enjoy living in a family home and require daily support that cannot be accommodated living on your own. Family Care Homes are certified by OPWDD and the Family Care Provider makes sure you have the help you need to be safe and active. Providers can be single or married, own or rent their home.
Family Care providers come from a variety of religious, ethnic and social background. They are reimbursed for your room and board, for providing residential habilitation services, mileage, and other expenses. Nursing, nutritional and psychological services are also made available to family care homes to help support people. Various background checks are performed on adults (excluding people receiving services) in the home and Family Care Providers receive training in a range of subjects. All homes undergo a complete safety inspection.
If you are interested in Family Care, reach out to your Care Manager and let them know you are interested in this type of service.
Individualized Residential Alternatives (IRAs)
Individualized Residential Alternatives, commonly known as “group homes,” are small, community-based homes. Living with a small group of people in a home certified by OPWDD can provide you with extra support, while also providing you with the opportunity for community living. Staff at the home will help meet your needs for daily activities. Most residents needing ongoing licensed clinical supports get them through community-based providers and clinics, rather than from staff employed or contracted by the residence. Psychological, nursing and nutritional services are available in Individualized Residential Alternatives.
There are two types of Individualized Residential Alternatives, or group homes:
Supervised – Supervised Individualized Residential Alternatives provide 24/7 support and offer a range of services like assistance with daily living activities, meal preparation, medication management, and community integration. Supervised homes are community-based and typically support between 3 and 8 people per house but can go up to 14 residents. Each person has a habilitation plan and staff help with various aspects of their daily lives, including personal care and medication.
Supportive – Supportive Individualized Residential Alternatives are staffed based on individual needs and are designed for people who need less than 24-hour supervision but who would benefit from periodic ongoing support. Supportive homes provide help with daily living, such as medication management, budgeting, and medical appointments, to promote independence in community settings. Residents receive help to build on their ability to live independently, including skills like budgeting, cooking, and grocery shopping.
Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs)
Intermediate Care Facilities provide 24/7 higher level residential services for people who may require intermittent skilled nursing care. Intermediate Care Facilities provide comprehensive and individualized supportive care and habilitative services to promote functional activity and independence. Intermediate Care Facilities provide bundled clinical services including Medical Nursing, Psychological, Nutritional, Occupational, Physical and recreation in addition to 24/7 direct support staff.
These homes focus on helping people with higher support needs to develop or improve their daily living skills, social skills, and overall functioning.
People can attend day programming in or outside of their homes for greater integration into the community.