Housing options for individuals with behavioral health conditions in San Antonio
For people living with behavioral health conditions and their families it can be very challenging to find affordable living accommodations that also offer the appropriate amount of support. In this article we will explore three common housing options and review the pros and cons of each.
Individual Housing
Having your own apartment or home is great if it is affordable. Typically, the housing authority has some apartments and homes that are designated for individuals on government aid programs. These properties are affordable, but there is an application process and often a waiting list. Even if affordable, living alone has additional challenges that need to be considered:
Can the person take medication regularly without help?
Can the person and does the person prepare healthy meals for themself?
Does the person do the needed chores to keep the home or apartment clean and free of bugs?
Can the person manage their own money?
How much help does the person need?
For those in private homes, sometimes Medicaid will pay for an in-home provider to help with everyday tasks such as these. An application process and signature of your doctor is often needed to obtain these services.
Supervised Living
Supervised Living is often a good alternative. In a supervised living home, daily activities are done with the help and supervision of a staff member. The staff member will watch to ensure medication is taken as directed, and other recommendations from your doctors are followed. For example, they may help you learn how and when to test your blood sugar if you have diabetes. Supervised living offers the opportunity to cook and clean and do your own laundry, but assistance when these things are difficult. Living with others may feel safer to some people. Supervised living typically offers more in depth training and supervision than a board and care home.
Amber Lantern provides supervised living services in Bexar County through the HCBS-AMH program and private payment options.
Boarding and Care Homes
Board and Care homes offer group living for a reasonable price. Typically rooms are shared and the person running the home does all the cooking and cleaning. Individuals do not get the opportunity to sharpen their skills for independence in a board and care home.
Want To Learn More?
These are just 3 potential options. For more information on possible housing options for people with behavioral health conditions in San Antonio speak with your case manager or social worker for assistance. You can also contact Amber Lantern and we would be happy to point you in the right direction.
