Working Together: The Role of Families in Supported Living Success

Do you have a loved one who is currently in, or might benefit from, a supported living program? Are you questioning how you can contribute to their success…help them achieve their goals?

Here’s a heartfelt response from the team at ALSO:

“Supported living is not a service – it’s a relationship. And families are an essential part of that relationship.”

The Power of Partnership

ALSO has been supporting people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) for over 25 years. Since the beginning, we have been expanding to provide support services to eligible children and adults throughout Oregon. We know that supported living is strongest when individuals, families, and providers collaborate with a shared purpose.

Why it Matters

Family support is the foundational element in the success of loved ones with disabilities. They provide a strong source of love and encouragement. They advocate for disability rights in communities, workplaces, and schools, providing much-needed historical information to direct support professionals (DSPs), social workers, health care professionals, and other human services providers.

About ALSO

ALSO’s support services embrace person-centered values. This means that individuals with disabilities must have their voice heard and choices respected. Families are allies in helping those we support obtain a positive vision for the future based on choice, abilities, strengths, and the capacity to learn new skills.

Understanding Supported Living

Supported living is a model of providing assistance in which those with disabilities live in homes of their choosing with support tailored to individual needs. ALSO offers several types of supported living services.

Supported Living: Assistance programs with a variety of self-care, work, academic, and recreational activities designed to support individuals in living their most independent and inclusive lives possible. These services are individualized and developed through collaboration with the ISP team and the individual.

Roommate Model: Cost-effective solutions to a major barrier to independent living: affordable housing!

24-hour: For those needing assistance around-the-clock.

Community Living: We go to your family member’s home, providing support and resources for anything that’s needed. For example:

• Determining home modifications.
• Supporting needs for special diets.
• Job searches.
• Getting to support groups.

Oregon’s Approach

The Oregon Department of Human Services has several programs that help persons with I/DD thrive in community settings. All disability services emphasize autonomy, dignity, and community integration.

Employment First

Oregon’s Employment First Program is rooted in the acknowledgment that everyone, regardless of ability level, can contribute to their community.

Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)

HCBS works with community partners to provide Medicaid beneficiaries services in their homes and communities. The objective is to ensure that all types of services allow for the maximum level of community integration that fits individual needs and choices.

The Unique Role Families Play

“The family is one of nature’s masterpieces.” George Santayana

Families play several crucial roles in the success of their loved ones with disabilities.

• Lifelong Knowledge: Bringing deep understanding of the individual’s needs, communication style, preferences, and history.
• Emotional Anchor: Offering a foundation of belonging and consistency.
• Trusted Advocacy: Helping to navigate complex systems (health care, financial assistance, education), and upholding person-centered values.

ALSO knows the challenges of shifting to out-of-home placements. Uncertainty and anxiety when transitioning from the family home is normal. It’s also an opportunity for growth, discovery, and trust-building.

Tip: Open, respectful communication between family caregivers and support providers builds lasting trust and goal alignment.

5 Tips for Families: Supporting Without Overstepping

1. Celebrate Self-Determination: Encourage your loved one to make their own choices – big and small.
2. Be a Collaborator, Not a Director: Ask, “How can I support you?” rather than, “Let me do this for you.”
3. Build a Circle of Support: Work alongside DSPs, case management, and community members.
4. Stay Informed: Learn about rights, services, and person-centered planning.
5. Respect Boundaries: Recognize when to step back, allowing the individual to grow into new levels of independence. You’ll be amazed!

How ALSO Partners with Families

• Inclusive Planning: Families are invited to person-centered planning and goal-setting.
• Clear Communication Channels Based on Mutual Respect: Regular updates, shared decision-making.
• Crisis Support: Compassionate guidance during times of transition, challenges.
• Ongoing Education: Training, technical assistance, and advocacy support for families navigating systems and/or other community partners.

*Tip: Reach out to ALSO’s family liaison or support staff anytime. Building relationships early prevents misunderstandings later.

Moving Forward Together: A Shared Vision

When families and support teams align around a loved one’s goals and dreams, outcomes are richer and more sustainable. From small wins (like taking a bus independently) to major milestones (getting that dream-job), families are the key witnesses and cheerleaders.

ALSO invites families to stay engaged, empowered, and open. Together, we’re co-architects of inclusive, person-driven living.

Contact Us

Sources

1. Oregon Department of Human Services. Employment First: Information for individuals and families. [Web Page]. https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/employment-first/Pages/individuals.aspx. Accessed June 1, 2025.
2. Oregon Department of Human Services. Home and Community-Based Services. [Web Page]. https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/providers-partners/pages/hcbs.aspx. Accessed June 2, 2025.
3. Oregon Department of Human Services. Oregon’s Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Setting Statewide Transition Plan. February 22, 2019. https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/providers-partners/hcbsdocs/oregon-approved-transition-plan.pdf   Accessed June 1, 2025.
4. Auslands Care. The role of family in supporting independent living. 2024, September 27. https://www.auslandscare.com.au/the-role-of-family-in-supporting-independent-living/.Accessed June 2, 2025.
5. Santayana, G. [Source for quote]. Bhatt, A. Family Quotes and Captions To Share Your Love. May 1, 2025. The Random Vibez. https://www.therandomvibez.com/family-quotes-captions/   Accessed June 2, 2025.