Supported Living Services (SLS): A Guide for Families
When a loved one begins Supported Living Services (SLS), it can bring both hope and uncertainty. Families often ask: What does SLS really look like? How much support will my loved one receive? And how do I stay involved while still encouraging independence?
This guide is designed to help families understand SLS in a clear, approachable way—so you can feel confident, informed, and supported throughout the process.
What Is Supported Living Services (SLS)?
Supported Living Services (SLS) helps adults with developmental disabilities live as independently as possible while receiving the support they need. Unlike group homes or residential programs, SLS is centered on the individual’s own home and personal goals.
SLS is not about taking over daily life—it’s about building skills, confidence, and independence at a pace that works for your loved one.
Who Is SLS Right For?
SLS is often a good fit for adults who:
- Live in their own apartment or home independently from their family.
- Want more independence but still need guidance or support
- Are motivated to learn daily living skills
- Benefit from coaching rather than constant supervision
Every person’s support plan is different, and services can increase or decrease over time depending on needs.
What Does SLS Support Look Like Day-to-Day?
Support is based on your loved one’s Individual Program Plan (IPP) or Individual Support Plan (ISP) and may include help with:
- Cooking and meal planning
- Budgeting and money management
- Household tasks and organization
- Health and safety awareness
- Community activities and social skills
- Scheduling, routines, and time management
The goal is always growth—helping your loved one do more on their own over time.
What Is the Family’s Role in SLS?
Families are important partners in the SLS process. While SLS encourages independence, it does not replace family involvement.
Families can support success by:
- Encouraging independence at home
- Supporting goal-setting during IPP/ISP meetings
- Communicating openly with the service provider
- Respecting the individual’s choices and autonomy
- Allowing room for learning—even when mistakes happen
Balancing support with independence can be challenging, but it is key to long-term success.
How Are Decisions Made?
One of the core principles of SLS is person-centered planning. This means:
- The individual leads decisions whenever possible
- Goals reflect their preferences, interests, and values
- Families and providers collaborate respectfully
- Services adapt as the individual grows and changes
Your loved one’s voice matters—and families help amplify that voice.
What SLS Is Not
Understanding what SLS is not can help set realistic expectations:
- It is not a group home or facility
- It is not designed to eliminate all risk
- It is not about control or constant supervision
- It does not remove personal responsibility
- It is not the same as In-Home Support Services (IHSS)
- Encouraging independence at home
- Supporting goal-setting during IPP/ISP meetings
- Communicating openly with the service provider
- Respecting the individual’s choices and autonomy
- Allowing room for learning—even when mistakes happen
- The individual leads decisions whenever possible
- Goals reflect their preferences, interests, and values
- Families and providers collaborate respectfully
- Services adapt as the individual grows and changes
- It is not a group home or facility
- It is not designed to eliminate all risk
- It is not about control or constant supervision
- It does not remove personal responsibility
- It is not the same as In-Home Support Services (IHSS)
- Ask questions and seek clarity
- Allow time for adjustment
- Trust the support team
- Celebrate small wins and progress
- Stay engaged without over-directing
SLS supports learning through real-life experiences, including challenges.
How Families Can Support a Smooth Transition
Families are important partners in the SLS process. While SLS encourages independence, it does not replace family involvement.
Families can support success by:
Balancing support with independence can be challenging, but it is key to long-term success.
How Are Decisions Made?
One of the core principles of SLS is person-centered planning. This means:
Your loved one’s voice matters—and families help amplify that voice.
What SLS Is Not
Understanding what SLS is not can help set realistic expectations:
SLS supports learning through real-life experiences, including challenges.
How Families Can Support a Smooth Transition
Transitions into SLS work best when families:
Progress may be gradual—but each step forward matters.
Common Family Questions
Will my loved one be safe? Yes. Safety is a priority, and supports are designed to match the individual’s needs while still encouraging independence.
What if challenges arise? Challenges are expected and part of growth. Providers work with families and service coordinators to adjust supports as needed.
Can services change over time? Absolutely. SLS is flexible and evolves as your loved one gains skills or needs change.
Conclusion
Supported Living Services offer adults with developmental disabilities the opportunity to grow, learn, and live fuller lives—while still having the support they need. For families, SLS can be both a shift and a partnership—one that focuses on long-term independence, dignity, and choice.
At New Beginnings for Exceptional People, we believe informed families are empowered families. We’re honored to walk alongside you as your loved one takes meaningful steps toward independence.
