Group Homes vs. Supported Living: A Plain-Language Guide for Hampton Roads Families
Finding the right housing option is a critical step in supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities as they build fulfilling, self-directed lives. Two common paths – group homes and supported living – offer different levels of support, autonomy, and engagement. Let’s explore these two models so families, caregivers, and individuals can make informed decisions.
What Is a Group Home for Disabled Adults?
Group homes provide 24/7 support in a licensed home where multiple people with intellectual or developmental disabilities live together. Each resident typically has their own bedroom and shares common areas like the kitchen and living room. On-site staff can help with daily activities like meal prep, medication management, personal care, and social activities.
Community Alternatives, Inc. group homes promote social interaction and a family-style sense of community living with only four residents per home. This setting is especially beneficial for individuals who require overnight supervision or medical support.
What Is Supported Living for Disabled Adults?
A supported living program serves disabled adults who live in their own home and benefit from drop-in support rather than a full-time caregiver. Options range from private apartments with occasional support services to fully independent homes with remote or part-time aides. Staff can assist with daily routines, skill development, transportation, or managing appointments, for example.
At Community Alternatives, Inc., we provide supportive living services tailored to each person’s needs. Through in-home care and community coaching, we help individuals who want to live independently while still having the support they need to thrive.
Choosing the Right Path: Group Home vs. Supported Living in Virginia
The choice between a group home and supported living for disabled adults depends on the individual’s needs and personal preferences.The decisions become easier when you break them into practical questions:
- Where does your loved one want to live, and who do they want to live with?
- How much support do they need during the day and night?
- Do they need help with personal care, medication, cooking, money, transportation, or appointments?
- What level of independence works for them? Would they prefer housemates, privacy, family proximity, or a neighborhood community?
- How will family and friends be included while still respecting your loved one’s autonomy?
- How will the living situation support their preferences in employment, volunteering, recreation, faith, friendships, and community participation?
- What funding, waiver, insurance, or private-pay options apply to each housing option?
A group home offers a structured environment around the clock in a shared living space, which can help reduce feelings of isolation, whereas supported living provides individualized assistance with daily living in your loved one’s home. Both options help individuals build life skills and participate in the community.
Compared to a group home, supported living embraces autonomy. Individuals have more control over their meals, schedules, and social activities. This model may boost confidence and everyday decision-making, but it also requires a solid support network and access to resources, like healthcare, coaching, and transportation.
| Consideration | CAI Group Home | CAI Supported Living |
| Living arrangement | Four adults share a single-family home | The person lives in their own house or apartment |
| Support approach | 24/7 Staffing according to each resident’s individual needs | Scheduled, drop-in support rather than a full-time caregiver in the home |
| Daily routines | Residents share a household and coordinate some aspects of daily life | The person generally has more control over household routines and lifestyle choices |
| Social experience | Built-in contact with housemates | Social connections require more intentional planning |
| Community engagement | Community participation is supported around the person’s individual goals, routines, and relationships | |
| Potential fit | May suit people who prefer a shared home with full-time residential support | May suit people who want to live in their own home or apartment and have a support network in place |
No matter the approach, families should prioritize ongoing assessment and open communication with their loved one, healthcare providers, and social workers to ensure the living arrangement promotes safety, dignity, and long-term well-being.
How Community Alternatives, Inc. Serves the Hampton Roads Area
Community Alternatives, Inc. provides residential habilitation for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. Our group homes are four-bed single-family dwellings with 24/7 staffing to provide direct support for each resident’s needs. Our supported living staff offers drop-in support for adults who need assistance in their home while building skills and greater independence.
As a DBHDS-licensed provider, we deliver person-centered care tailored to each individualized support plan. You can expect attention to health and safety, staff qualifications, service planning, individual rights, and community integration.
For 45+ years, we have worked with families exploring residential placement as well as community organizations and social workers. If you’re trying to determine which residential setting is best for your adult child, our team can help you understand available options.
How to Get Started
The Community Services Board (CSB) organization in your area can help guide you through the residential placement process. In Hampton Roads, that may include Norfolk CSB, Western Tidewater CSB, Hampton-Newport News CSB, and Virginia Beach Human Services. These local agencies help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities find resources, regardless of your ability to pay. Before your appointment, gather medical records, evaluations, and proof of income along with information about your loved one’s current needs.
Once you have connected with your local CSB, or if you are already comparing group homes vs. supported living in Virginia, reach out to Community Alternatives, Inc. Call us at 757-468-7000 or visit comalt.org/contact-us/. We’re here to help assess your loved one’s needs, discuss which programs may fit best, and schedule a tour of one of our group homes in Hampton Roads.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a group home, supported living, and in-home care?
A group home is a shared residential setting where several adults live together and receive staff support based on their individual needs. Supported living provides drop-in support in your own living arrangements. In-home care provides varying degrees of support services to individuals who reside with family or other caretakers who need additional support or respite care.
Services are tailored to the individual’s needs while fostering skill building, increasing independence, and helping individuals participate in their communities.
Does Virginia's Medicaid Waiver apply to group homes and supported living?
Families in Hampton Roads may qualify for one of three types of Medicaid waivers:
- Building Independence Waiver (BI)
- Family and Individual Supports Waiver (FIS)
- Community Living (CL) Waiver
The Developmental Disability Waiver that applies depends on the individual’s eligibility and support needs. Group home residential services fall under the CL Waiver, while supported living may be covered by either the CL or the FIS Waivers. In general, the BI Waiver is intended for adults who can live mostly independently with limited support; the FIS Waiver serves those who live with family, friends, or in their own homes; and the CL Waiver applies to people who need around-the-clock support.
Virginia currently maintains a waiting list for Developmental Disability Waivers, so contact your Community Services Board as early as possible to discuss the application process.
Can my adult child live in a group home with autism and behavioral support needs?
Yes, an adult with autism and behavioral support needs may qualify for a group home in Virginia. The right placement depends on your adult child’s assessed needs and whether a provider can safely provide the level of support outlined in their individual support plan. When comparing homes, ask about staff training, licensing, community engagement, and behavioral support. You can also discuss other residential options with your Community Services Board.