Shared Living Arrangements
SAN Insights
The Special Assistance Network (SAN) was forwarded this very interesting article from one of its many resources. It is provided here for your information.
Is Shared Living Right for Your Loved One? Here’s What Families Should Know
Author: Annette Hines - Empowering Special Needs Families through Advocacy and Support | Founder & CEO @ Special Needs Companies | International Speaker | Attorney | Host of Parenting Impossible Podcast
One of the biggest questions I hear from families is this:
“Where will my loved one live when I’m gone?”
It’s a question I asked myself constantly while caring for my daughter, Elizabeth. It’s a question wrapped in fear, hope, and the desire to protect. And it’s one that doesn't come with a one-size-fits-all answer.
But for families ready to explore options beyond traditional group homes or institutional settings, I want to introduce something that’s gaining traction: shared living arrangements.
What Is Shared Living?
Shared living is just what it sounds like—an individual with disabilities living with one or more roommates in a non-institutional home setting. But what makes it powerful is this:
💡 It’s designed around the individual, not a program.
That means your loved one might live in:
A home owned by their special needs trust
A rental on family property
A shared home with a supportive roommate who also serves as caregiver
This model isn’t new, but it’s evolving fast—and with good planning, it can create a life filled with dignity, connection, and real autonomy.
Why Families Are Choosing Shared Living
According to The Arc, 75% of adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities live with an aging parent. But many want more independence.
Shared living offers:
Greater control over the environment
Choice of roommates
Flexible caregiving support
Opportunities for inclusion and community life
And it moves us away from institutional models, where every aspect of daily living is managed externally.
What It Takes to Make It Work
Shared living is not plug-and-play. It takes intentional setup—and that’s where your advocacy comes in.
Here’s what’s involved:
Finding or adapting a home: This might include accessibility upgrades or choosing a property owned by a special needs trust.
Roommate matching: Trusted friends, siblings, or even strangers (carefully vetted) can become companions or caregivers.
Legal agreements: Leases and service agreements are essential to protect everyone involved and clarify expectations.
Funding strategy: Medicaid waivers, trust disbursements, and rental income planning all play a part.
Yes, it’s more legwork upfront—but the payoff is independence, respect, and a higher quality of life.
Legal & Financial Considerations
As both a parent and an attorney, I cannot overstate this: Put it in writing.
Whether your loved one is the landlord or the tenant, whether the roommate is a paid caregiver or a friend, make sure you have:
A lease agreement (especially if the property is owned by a trust)
A caregiving agreement (even if the caregiver is a family member)
A benefits review (to ensure income or housing arrangements won’t jeopardize SSI or Medicaid)
And if you’re overwhelmed? I’ve helped countless families just like yours navigate these waters—we’ll do it together.
Final Thought
Shared living isn’t for everyone. But it’s an option more families need to know about—and it just might be the right next step for your loved one.
The goal isn’t just housing. It’s a community. Autonomy. And peace of mind.