Eight Questions to Ask When Evaluating Adult Housing for Your Child With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)

Choosing the right place for your adult child to live is one of the most important (and often overwhelming) decisions a caregiver can make. For families of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), the search for a safe, supportive and empowering living environment comes with unique considerations.

As school-based services come to an end and your loved one enters adulthood, it’s a natural time to begin exploring housing options for adults with IDD for the first time. But with so many types of housing and support models available, and each person’s needs being different, it can be hard to know where to start or what questions to ask.

This blog is designed to help. Whether you're just starting your research or narrowing down housing options, asking the right questions can give you peace of mind and help you find a community where your loved one can truly thrive.

Choosing the Right Housing Matters

‍When school ends, everything changes — not just for your loved one, but for your whole family. The structure and support that once came from the school system can suddenly disappear. And while it’s a big transition, it’s also a chance to ask: What do we want life to look like moving forward?

Housing plays a big role in that answer.

A person’s living environment shouldn’t just be about having a roof overhead. It’s about creating a space where your loved one feels safe, supported and free to be themselves. The right housing option can help provide:

• Independence, by encouraging life skills and personal choice
• Safety, through trained staff, thoughtful design and reliable supervision
• Connection, by fostering opportunities for socialization, community and friendship
• Quality of life, by aligning with your loved one’s interests, strength and support needs

Choosing a housing model that balances freedom with structure is key to helping adults with IDD thrive in their day-to-day lives and in the years ahead.

Key Questions to Ask When Evaluating Your Options

When the time comes to choose a supportive living environment for your adult child with IDD, here are some key things to ask as you explore different housing options:

1. What level of independence and support is offered?

Every adult has different needs, and those needs may evolve over time. Ask what type of support is available, such as help with daily living activities, medication reminders, meal preparation, transportation or supervision.

Ask: Is the environment designed to promote independence while still offering the right level of safety and support my child needs?

2. Who provides care or oversight, and what are their qualifications?

Caregivers play a huge role in the day-to-day experience of residents. Learn more about who’s on staff, how they’re trained and whether support is available 24/7.

Ask: Are staff members always on site? What kind of training do they receive to support residents with IDD?

3. How is daily life structured?

Having a sense of routine helps build confidence and stability. Ask how the day is organized and whether support is available for things like meals, transportation, healthcare and personal goals.

Ask: What does a typical day look like for residents? Are there systems in place to support wellness and independence?

4. What does the social environment look like?

Belonging and connection are just as important as physical safety. Look for housing options that offer opportunities for socialization and relationship-building.

Ask: Are there shared spaces for residents to connect? Are group activities or outings part of life here?

5. How is safety prioritized physically and emotionally?

Safety goes beyond locks and alarms. Ask how the community responds to emergencies, supports emotional well-being and fosters respectful relationships.

Ask: What safety features are in place? How are health or behavioral emergencies handled?

6. Is this a long-term solution?

It’s important to know whether this housing option can adapt as your loved one’s needs change over time or if it’s meant to be a stepping stone.

Ask: Can this community grow with my loved one? What happens if their level of care or support changes?

7. How involved can families be?

The best environments recognize that families still play a vital role. Ask how communication is handled and how families can stay engaged.

Ask: Are parents or guardians welcome to visit, participate in events and stay in the loop about their loved one’s care?

8. What makes this environment feel like home?

A home is more than just a place to live. Everyone deserves a home where they can feel welcome, understood and encouraged to grow. As you explore housing options, take time to consider how the environment feels, not just what it offers on paper.

Ask: Does this feel like a place where my loved one will be respected, supported and genuinely happy to live?

A Few More Things to Ask Before You Decide

As you evaluate housing options, there are a few more practical, but essential, details to keep in mind.

Start by asking about cost and how families typically cover it. Some communities may accept funding through Medicaid waivers or other public programs, while others rely on private pay. Be sure to clarify what’s included in monthly fees, and what might come at an additional cost.

It’s also helpful to ask about eligibility requirements and whether there’s a waiting list. Some supportive housing options fill up quickly, so it’s important to understand the timeline and plan accordingly.

Finally, remember that seeing a space in person can make all the difference. If possible, schedule a tour, talk to staff and observe how residents interact with one another. And above all, trust your instincts. You know your loved one best.

Get Support and Guidance with the Comforts of Home at Coral Reef

Every family’s journey is different. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to housing for adults with IDD. But with thoughtful planning and a clear understanding of your loved one’s needs, it is possible to find a place that feels truly like home.

At Coral Reef, we’re building a community designed with these questions in mind. While many of the details are still taking shape, our vision is clear: to create a place where adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities can live independently with added support, surrounded by belonging, purpose and connection.

If your family is exploring housing options, be sure to sign up for our email list for updates, or read our FAQs to learn more about how our team can support young adults in building a life of independence and connection.