Comparing options, answered plainly
What's the difference between assisted living and a supported home?
Size, who they serve, and who pays — the real differences.
Comparing options, answered plainly
Size, who they serve, and who pays — the real differences.
Assisted living is typically a larger, apartment-style community. A supported home (also called a residential care home or supported-living home) is usually a single house with a few residents and staff support. The smaller setting is often a better fit for someone who needs a quieter, more individualized environment.
Assisted living most often serves older adults who need help with daily activities. Supported homes frequently serve adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities, serious mental illness, or other specialized needs — including younger adults — though both vary by each state’s license type.
Assisted living is often private-pay, though some states cover the services (not room and board) through a Medicaid waiver. Group-home services are commonly paid by a Medicaid HCBS waiver, with the resident’s SSI covering room and board. Neither is generally paid by Medicare.
Source: Medicaid.gov, HCBS — medicaid.gov.
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