Housing

Own your own home: This requires a high level of independent living skills and financial resources. There are programs available to provide counseling, down-payment assistance and low-interest mortgage rates. A helpful online resource is www.phonehome.org.
Rent an apartment: This requires a high level of independent living skills. Subsidies for apartment rental may be available through Section 8 vouchers. Section 8 based apartments are apartment complexes that have apartments available for rent based on the tenant’s income. (The tenant pays only what they can afford to pay toward the rent.) There is usually a waiting list for these apartments. The waiting list is opened for new applicants at various times during the year.
Supported Independent Living: Apartment rental with intermittent staff supervision, training, and assistance. More information on supported independent living can be obtained by phoning Richmond Behavioral Health Authority, (804) 819-4000, and/or the Henrico Mental Health/Mental Retardation (804) 727-8515.
Assisted Living Facility (ALF): Non-medical residential settings that provide or coordinate personal and health care services, 24-hour supervision, and assistance for the care of four or more adults who are aged, infirm or have a disability.
Group Home: A single residence (home) where several individuals with disabilities reside. Varying levels of service are available, and may include counselor, transportation, shopping assistance, health care services or 24-hour personal assistance. Call the State Department of Social Services, (804) 726-7000, for additional information.
Intermediate Care Facility for People with Mental Retardation (ICF/MR): Facilities with four or more beds for people with mental retardation, providing active treatment. The ICF/MR benefit is an optional Medicaid benefit. For additional information, contact the local community services board.
Nursing Home: A facility in which the primary function is the provision, on a continuing basis, of nursing services and health-related services for the treatment and inpatient care of two or more non-related individuals. To find a Medicaid- or Medicare-certified nursing home you can compare certified Medicare / Medicaid nursing homes. To find a privately funded nursing home, contact the Center for Quality Health Care Services at (804) 367-2102.