Housing Readiness

By Sara Crimm, Families CCAN Director

What seems like the hardest part of finding a housing setting for your family member with a disability? For families there is a lot of anxiety around safety, security and loneliness.  And many doubts about preparation: does your loved one have enough skills to manage everyday self-care tasks?  If they need support is there technology or staffing in place to provide that in a person-centered way? And how do families and individuals get emotionally ready for this separation?

I bet that reading through those questions just elevated your blood pressure and anxiety levels significantly!  The good news is that finding a housing solution is a process that can be undertaken in a planned and structured way.  It is not possible – or wise, even – to tackle all of these issues at once.  It does take time.

A good place to start is by opening up the conversation within your family and just talking about living outside the family home. At first this idea may be scary or strange. It may imply that parents or guardians will not live forever, a disturbing concept for all of us.  But putting it on the table helps to normalize an inevitable outcome. It allows each of us to acknowledge our feelings and start to plan for a housing solution that is exciting, safe and wonderful. More importantly, a solution that will meet the needs of your family member.  

This initial conversation may have to be repeated often over time. It can also lead to some concrete next steps to tackle those readiness issues. 

Families CCAN has walked this road with many families. We are here to provide guidance, resources, community, and expertise for your journey.  Consider enrolling in our Housing Readiness Workshop for a structured approach to getting started.  Or if one-on-one consulting is more your thing, we offer Family Navigation Services for an individualized approach. 

Either way, we are here to help!