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Independent Living
In this section we will talk about the subject of independent living for individuals that have cerebral palsy.
Some teens and young adults with
cerebral
palsy need extra help preparing for independent living. For example,
learning to drive a car may require intensive training and a high level of
assistance. Occupational therapists are trained to prepare people with
disabilities for these types of events.
Some adults with cerebral palsy live at home until their
parents pass away or are no longer able to care for them. These older adults may
need the same level of training for independent living that teens and young
adults require.
Major independent living skills include preparing meals,
handling money properly and using a checkbook, knowing when and where to seek
medical care, and driving a car or using public transportation.
Community agencies help people with cerebral palsy make the
transition to independent living. Specially designed living spaces help some
teens and young adults to live alone. Other teens and young adults choose to
live in group homes, preferring the comfort of being around people and knowing
that extra help is available if they need it.
For more information:
- Talk with other parents about how they have helped their children with cerebral palsy adjust to independent living.
- Find out about local agencies that help people with physical disabilities to live on their own.
- Visit group homes in your community and talk with people who live there.
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Author
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Debby Golonka, MPH
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Editor
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Susan Van Houten, RN,
BSN, MBA
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Associate Editor
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Pat Truman, MATC
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Primary Medical Reviewer
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Michael J. Sexton, MD -
Pediatrics
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Specialist Medical Reviewer
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Louis Pellegrino, MD -
Developmental Pediatrics
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Know the Assisted Housing Options for Adults With
Cerebral Palsy
Choose the type of assisted housing that's appropriate
for your needs. Options range from board and care homes and nursing facilities
with 24-hour supervision meals and medical supervision to individual apartments
in assisted communities, which promote
independent living. Know that adult housing facilities generally provide
service to people who are between the ages of 18 and 59. People who are over 60
and adults who are between the ages of 18 and 59, but require medical care, may
reside in continuing care retirement facilities. Realize transitional homes may be available for people
who are at least 17 and are preparing to live independently for the first time.
Get Assisted Housing for Adults With Cerebral Palsy
Find housing resources by state at DisabilityInfo.gov
(see Resources below). Make a list of housing options, including residential
care facilities. Visit the facilities. Be prepared to answer questions
about your medical condition and the type of care you require. Ask questions about the type of care they provide.
Include questions about meals, laundry, transportation, medical assistance,
physical therapy facilities and social activities. Write down everything you like and dislike about the
facility based on your initial interview. Make a second, unannounced visit to get a better sense of
how the facility operates. Take time to speak with other residents about their
experience with the facility.
Pay for Assisted Housing
Use Social Security income or Supplemental Security Income to pay rent and expenses. Visit the Social Security website to learn more about qualifying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) (see Resources below). Apply for Section 8 housing vouchers distributed through the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Realize qualified renters pay only a percentage of the rent, which is based on their income and ability to pay.
The Upstate Cerebral Palsy Commercial - Shoelaces Tying
Jeff’s Story, from Upstate Cerebral Palsy
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