Alternative Family Living (AFL)
Alternative Family Living (AFL) is a residential service that allows individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live in a private family home instead of a traditional residential setting. The service focuses on creating a stable, supportive environment where individuals receive personalized assistance while participating in everyday family and community life. Support is based on each individual’s needs, preferences, and goals, encouraging greater independence while maintaining health, safety, and personal well-being.
Supporting Everyday Independence Through Family-Based Care
Successful support begins with understanding each individual’s routines, strengths, and areas where assistance is needed. By working closely with individuals, families, guardians, and care teams, Alternative Family Living creates opportunities to develop practical skills while providing consistent guidance in a comfortable home environment.
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Individuals receive personalized support with daily routines such as meal preparation, personal care, household responsibilities, and time management based on their level of independence.
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Living in a family home provides regular opportunities to build communication, social, and relationship skills through everyday interactions and shared activities.
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Caregivers encourage individuals to participate in community events, recreational activities, appointments, and other experiences that promote inclusion and confidence.
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Support plans are adjusted as needs change, helping individuals work toward personal goals while maintaining consistent care and supervision.
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Families and guardians receive regular communication about progress, daily routines, and any concerns to help ensure coordinated, person-centered support.
Core Components of Alternative Family Living
Alternative Family Living combines residential support with individualized services that address each person’s daily needs and long-term goals. While every support plan is unique, these common service components help create a safe, respectful, and structured living environment.
Personalized Daily Living Assistance: Caregivers provide support with everyday tasks while encouraging individuals to complete activities as independently as possible.
Health and Wellness Support: Assistance is provided with medication reminders, medical appointments, healthy routines, and monitoring overall well-being according to the individual’s support plan.
Community Participation: Individuals are encouraged to take part in social, recreational, educational, and community activities that match their interests and abilities.
Skill Development: Everyday routines become opportunities to strengthen communication, decision-making, self-care, household management, and other independent living skills.
Family and Care Team Collaboration: Ongoing communication between caregivers, families, guardians, and service providers helps ensure support remains consistent and responsive to changing needs.
Find the Right Support
Whether you’re exploring services for yourself, a family member, or someone you support, our team is here to answer your questions and help you understand your available options. Contact us today to discuss your needs and take the next step toward personalized, person-centered support.