There are many types of housing options in Texas. Let’s list and briefly discuss each type.

1. Living with Family Many adults with disabilities continue living with parents or siblings into adulthood. While this can provide stability and support, families often face concerns about long-term planning as caregivers age. Along with this, there is also the opportunity for overnigt respite care through private or government services.

2. Independent Living Some adults can live independently with minimal support, particularly when transportation, employment, and community resources are available.

3. Supported Living Individuals live in their own home or apartment while receiving varying levels of assistance with daily activities, finances, transportation, or healthcare.

4. Group Homes Small residential settings where multiple individuals live together with staff support.

5. Intentional Communities Communities specifically designed to provide housing, meaningful work, social connection, and long-term support for adults with disabilities.

6. Aging-in-Place Communities Communities designed to support residents throughout adulthood and into their senior years without requiring disruptive moves.

Important Considerations

We love our family like no other will. Also know that there are people in the world who have phenomenal compassion and a true calling to work with those like your son, daughter, sibling or your family member you have been caring for.

When coming to the realization that adulthood is here, making the decision to the future can feel overwhelming and frightening at best. Safety is often one of the first concerns for many families, as it should be! Additionally, having medical knowledge, experience and ability to access medical care is not an option. It is a requirement. There is no room for negotiation here.

Of course, we all have the right to live as independently as possible. When looking for the right home, are things done for the population? Are they given agency to make the best choices for themselves with guidance as needed? Are the residents treated as adults?

What is happening in the residential community. It is important to note that living with purpose involves meaningful work. Is the work meaningful to the resident. Do they have their choice in what the are doing? Let me reiterate that if we are here on this earth, we have purpose. Is the connection through their work to the outside community clear to them?

Just like you and me, lifelong friendships are also important to our loved one. Are there opportunities to socialize within and outside of the day program. Do these opportunities provide variety, means of the residents having input and address all beliefs and cultures?

Community involvement should not solely be through work but through their own board within their residential community. While not all residents can fully participate, there are residents who can represent their needs. Residents should be treated as equals to staff and administration because they are! Coming together regularly as a natural part of the program is the “meat” of the community.

Of course, one of the biggest fear of any caregiver is not necessarily facing his or her own death but leaving the most vulnerable, most loved person in their lives behind and praying they are safe, loved and living with joy. Ensuring that the residential home will thrive and also set up for success is vital. Having an “age in place” model as part of a residential home makes a difference. Being a part of a residential community should always speak to the resident’s purpose and belonging.

While there are several housing models available, many families continue searching for options that combine housing, meaningful work, social connection and lifelong support. Heartwood Village was founded in response to this growing need. Our vision is to create a community where adults with disabilities can live, work, learn and thrive with dignity, purpose and connection. This is their village! We celebrate together. We learn together. We become family. As they age, there will always be a place for them. No matter what.