When it comes to providing compassionate, personalized care for individuals with developmental or physical disabilities, two common service options stand out: Family Model Homes and Supported Living. While both models offer essential support tailored to individual needs, their approach to daily living, caregiver relationships, and community involvement differ in key ways. We sat down with our Program Manager to explore these differences and help families better understand which path might be the best fit.
What’s the Difference Between Family Model Homes and Supported Living?
At the heart of the difference is the “family” factor. In a Family Model Home, individuals become integrated into the life of a nurturing household. They join their provider’s family not just in routines, but also in experiences—vacations, family meals, traditions, and more. This setting offers a truly home-like, inclusive environment that helps individuals feel like a valued family member.
In contrast, Supported Living tends to offer care in an apartment or home setting staffed by rotating caregivers. These caregivers may support up to three individuals at a time, often in a more structured or clinical environment. While care is still compassionate and professional, the atmosphere may feel less personal compared to the warmth of a family model home.
Caregiver Roles: Similar Support, Different Approaches
Caregivers in both settings share many core responsibilities—ensuring safety, providing daily support, encouraging independence, and advocating for the individual’s well-being. The key distinction lies in the depth of personal integration.
In Family Model Homes, Family Model Providers (FMPs) don’t just support the individual—they invite them to become part of their lives. They focus on understanding personal preferences, routines, and emotional needs as if the individual were a member of their own family.
Supported Living staff, while equally dedicated, may work in shifts, creating a more professional caregiver-client relationship than a familial bond.
How Do We Determine the Best Fit?
Finding the right environment depends on several factors, including:
- Level of care needed
- Desire for independence
- Personal preferences and personality fit
Finding the right environment depends on several factors, including level of care needed and the individual’s eligibility for programs like the Medicaid Waiver which helps support in-home and community-based services.
During our meet and greet and client matching process, we assess each individual’s care requirements, lifestyle preferences, and goals. For example, individuals who require more intensive medical or personal care may be better suited to Supported Living. Those who are more independent and thrive in close-knit, family-style settings often flourish in Family Model Homes.
Community and Independence: Two Unique Experiences
Living in a Family Model Home means becoming part of a unit where everyone is supported uniquely and respectfully. The focus is on fostering personal growth and true inclusion. Individuals in this setting often build strong, long-term bonds and gain confidence through meaningful relationships.
Supported Living, on the other hand, can feel more like a group home, with greater oversight and multiple caregivers rotating shifts. While it provides structured independence, it may not offer the same level of emotional connection or day-to-day consistency found in a family setting.
Conclusion: It’s About What Feels Like Home
Both Family Model Homes and Supported Living play vital roles in supporting individuals with unique needs. The key is matching the right person with the right environment. Whether someone thrives with the warmth and connection of a family or benefits from the structure and resources of a supported living arrangement, our team is here to guide families every step of the way.
Ready to Find the Right Fit?
If you’re exploring care options for yourself or a loved one, we’re here to help.
Contact us today to speak with a member of our team and learn more about our Waiver Services, Family Model Homes, and Supported Living programs.
Or, visit our Start Care Now Page to schedule a consultation or submit a referral.
Let us help you find a place that truly feels like home.
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