Housing for Aging Adults With Developmental Disabilities: A Family Plan

Quick answer: Aging adults with developmental disabilities in California can live in licensed homes funded through the regional center system, such as adult residential facilities and specialized homes, or in supported or independent living with services. When they reach their 60s, residential care for the elderly may also fit. Families should involve the regional center early and plan before aging parents can no longer provide care.

Many adults with developmental disabilities have lived with their parents for decades. As those parents reach their 70s, 80s and 90s, two people may need care at once: the aging parent and the adult child. Planning for aging adults with developmental disabilities housing is one of the most important and most postponed decisions families face. This guide explains the challenges, the housing options in California, how regional centers help, how needs change with age, and the steps families should take now.

Why does planning matter so much?

People with developmental disabilities, including intellectual disability, autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy and Down syndrome, are living longer than ever. At the same time, many family caregivers are aging. Common risks without a plan:

• A parent’s sudden hospitalization or death leaves the adult child without a caregiver.
• An emergency placement is made far from familiar people and routines.
• Benefits and legal authority are unclear, delaying services.
• Siblings inherit responsibility without information or preparation.

How do care needs change as adults with developmental disabilities age?

• Earlier aging: some people, including many with Down syndrome, experience age-related changes earlier than the general population.
• Dementia risk: adults with Down syndrome have a much higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease, often beginning in their 40s or 50s.
• Mobility and health: arthritis, vision and hearing loss, swallowing problems, and chronic conditions may increase care needs.
• Changes in behavior: new behaviors may signal pain, illness or cognitive decline, especially for people who communicate differently.

Our guides to caring for a parent with dementia and memory care facilities in San Diego explain dementia care settings that may become relevant later.

What housing options exist in California?

• Family home with supports: in-home respite, personal care and day programs funded through the regional center or other programs.
• Supported living services: help to live in one’s own home or apartment with individualized support.
• Independent living services: training and support for people who need less help.
• Adult residential facilities (ARFs): licensed homes for adults 18 to 59 who need care and supervision. Some are specifically vendored with regional centers.
• Specialized residential homes: homes with enhanced staffing or behavioral support for people with complex needs.
• Intermediate care facilities for people with developmental disabilities: licensed health facilities for people who need more nursing and health support.
• Residential care facilities for the elderly (RCFEs): assisted living and board and care homes that can serve adults 60 and older, and sometimes younger adults with compatible needs. See board and care homes in San Diego and what a residential care home for seniors is.

How do regional centers help?

California’s regional centers coordinate services for people with developmental disabilities. In San Diego County, the San Diego Regional Center serves eligible residents. A service coordinator can help with:

• Developing an Individual Program Plan (IPP) that includes future living arrangements
• Identifying and funding residential options vendored with the regional center
• Respite, day programs and behavioral supports
• Connecting families to benefits such as SSI and Medi-Cal
• Planning for transitions when a family caregiver can no longer provide care

Ask the service coordinator to add a written “future planning” section to the IPP.

What benefits and legal tools should families review?

• SSI and Medi-Cal: many adults with developmental disabilities qualify. Our Medi-Cal eligibility guide covers the basics.
• Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits: adults whose disability began before age 22 may receive Social Security benefits based on a parent’s work record when the parent retires, becomes disabled or dies.
• Special needs trust: protects inheritance for the adult child without disrupting needs-based benefits.
• ABLE account: a tax-advantaged savings account for people whose disability began before a certain age.
• Supported decision-making, power of attorney, or limited conservatorship: legal tools that determine who can help with decisions. An elder law or special needs attorney can advise. See 10 ways an elder law attorney can help families.

What should aging parents plan for their own care?

When a parent and an adult child with a disability both need help, plans should be coordinated. Some families explore arrangements where a parent moves into assisted living in San Diego nearby while the adult child moves into a supported or licensed home, so they can stay connected. Our guide to how to pay for a senior care home covers the parent’s side.

What steps should families take now?

1. Write a letter of intent. Describe your adult child’s routines, likes, dislikes, health, communication, and people who matter.
2. Meet with the regional center. Discuss future housing and get on waitlists where needed.
3. Tour options together. Let your adult child visit homes and day programs.
4. Set up legal and financial tools: special needs trust, ABLE account, and decision-making supports.
5. Name successors. Identify who will step in for advocacy and visits when you cannot.
6. Plan your own care. Put your own power of attorney and advance directive in place. Read should I be power of attorney for my parents.

Frequently asked questions

What happens to adults with developmental disabilities when parents die? Without a plan, an emergency placement may be needed. With planning, a regional center, trusted successors and legal tools can ensure a smooth transition.

What housing is available for adults with developmental disabilities in San Diego? Options include supported living, adult residential facilities, specialized homes, intermediate care facilities, and residential care for the elderly at older ages.

Can an adult with Down syndrome live in memory care? Yes, when dementia develops and care needs fit. Some homes have experience with both.

What is a special needs trust? A trust that holds assets for a person with a disability without disqualifying them from needs-based benefits.

Does the regional center pay for housing? Regional centers fund services and some residential care costs for eligible people, often alongside SSI.

At what age can someone move into residential care for the elderly? Generally 60, with exceptions for younger residents whose needs are compatible.

Conclusion: housing for aging adults with developmental disabilities

Aging adults with developmental disabilities housing works best when families plan before a crisis. Work with the regional center, write a letter of intent, set up legal and financial tools, tour options together, and coordinate the adult child’s plan with the aging parent’s own care. When the parent or adult child needs residential senior care, a free senior care assessment can help you find the right home in San Diego.