What to Expect When Starting Supported Community Living in Iowa
Starting Supported Community Living, often called SCL, can be a major step for an adult with an intellectual or developmental disability. Whether someone is moving into a residential setting or receiving support in their own home, knowing what to expect can make the process easier for everyone involved.
While every provider and individual is different, the process generally begins with understanding the person’s needs, goals, preferences, and current supports.
1. The Initial Referral
The first step is usually a referral from a case manager, guardian, family member, or other member of the individual’s support team.
A provider may ask for information such as the individual’s current service plan, waiver information, diagnoses, support needs, behavioral or medical information, current living situation, and the type of SCL support being requested.
The goal is to determine whether the provider may be able to safely and appropriately meet the individual’s needs.
2. Reviewing Support Needs
After receiving referral information, the provider will typically review the individual’s needs more closely.
This may include looking at areas such as:
- Personal care and daily routines
- Medication support
- Transportation
- Community access
- Meal preparation and household skills
- Communication
- Behavioral support
- Safety and supervision
- Social and independent living skills
This review is important because SCL should be built around the individual rather than fitting everyone into the same level of support.
3. Meeting the Individual and Their Team
A meet-and-greet, intake meeting, or tour may be the next step.
This gives the individual and their support team an opportunity to learn more about the provider, ask questions, and see whether the environment feels like a good fit.
It also allows the provider to learn more about the person beyond what is written in referral documents, including their interests, routines, communication style, preferences, and goals.
4. Determining the Right Setting
For someone considering residential SCL, finding the right home matters just as much as finding an available opening.
Providers and support teams may consider factors such as housemates, staffing needs, location, accessibility, personality fit, transportation, and the individual’s preferences.
For Hourly SCL, the focus may instead be on when and where support is needed throughout the week.
5. Building a Support Plan
Once services are moving forward, the provider works with the individual and interdisciplinary team to understand what support should look like day to day.
Good SCL support should help the person participate in their own routines, make choices, build skills, and become as independent as possible while still receiving the assistance they need.
6. Beginning Services
Starting SCL is an adjustment, especially when someone is moving away from their family home or changing providers.
Communication between the individual, family, guardian, case manager, and provider is especially important during this period.
It may take time to establish routines, build relationships with staff, and determine which approaches work best for the individual.
Finding Supported Community Living in Southwest Iowa
AmeriServe International provides Residential and Hourly Supported Community Living services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Southwest Iowa.
Our team works with individuals, families, guardians, and case managers to review referrals, understand support needs, and determine whether AmeriServe may be a good fit.
If you are looking for Supported Community Living in Southwest Iowa or would like to discuss a potential referral, contact AmeriServe to learn more about current availability and next steps.