What is the difference?
In a group home, your loved one shares a house. Staff are often there for meals, medication, and the night. Your loved one usually does not hold the lease.
Supported housing, sometimes called permanent supportive housing, is a home of one's own. Support staff visit. Treatment is usually voluntary, not a rule for keeping the home.
What did the Supreme Court decide?
In Olmstead v. L.C. (1999), the Supreme Court ruled that states must offer community living instead of institutions when three things are true: the care team says it fits, your loved one agrees, and the state can reasonably provide it.
The ruling is based on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
What should you do next?
- Ask the hospital social worker, or your community mental health center, to name housing programs and the waitlist. Ask for the referral in writing.
- Call 211 and ask for supportive housing and group homes near you. 211.org
- Ask who holds the lease. Ask whether your loved one must accept treatment to keep the home.
- Write down the daily support. That can include meals, medication help, overnight staff, or staff who visit.
- If your loved one is homeless and refuses help, start with what families can do.
- If anyone is in danger, call 911. For a mental health crisis, call or text 988.
Where can you find programs in your state?
Housing programs and waitlists differ by state. See your state for programs and where to start, including Illinois, Wisconsin, DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
This is general information, not legal or medical advice.
FAQ
Q: What is the difference between a group home and supported housing?
A group home is a shared house with staff on site. Supported housing is a home of one's own, with support that visits. Treatment is often voluntary there.
Q: What did Olmstead v. L.C. decide?
States must offer community living instead of institutions when three things are true. The care team says it fits, your loved one agrees, and the state can reasonably provide it. The ruling is based on the ADA.