For those needing minimal assistance, counselors meet with clients for an average of five hours per week. During the first six months of living in their apartments, clients usually receive extra time for hands-on independent living skills training. Training is provided at the client’s residence and in everyday settings such as banks, supermarkets, department stores and government offices.

Marin County clients reside in various types of living arrangements; community integrated apartments, apartment complexes specifically funded for people with developmental disabilities funded through HUD, self-owned condominiums or shared roommates in a Lifehouse rental home.

In Sonoma County, two apartment complexes were designed and built solely for the purpose of providing additional housing for people with developmental disabilities in the North Bay. There are 12 units in Petaluma and 23 units in Rohnert Park; both buildings are low-income, one-bedroom apartments. Each complex is security-locked, and has an on-site manager, a laundry room and parking. Lifehouse also serves individuals throughout the county in their own apartments.

In addition to home-based training, the clients in this program are offered supervised recreational outings ranging from one-day excursions to longer out-of-state trips. Also various educational and support groups are available such as a couple groups for those in long-term relationships, as well as sexuality, safety and social skills training.

For clients who do not require a licensed overnight-staffed home, but have difficulty functioning in a solely independent setting, we offer programs that take place in integrated apartment complexes.. Individuals may require daily monitoring for various reasons such as checking medications, seizures or other medical problems, or for problems that are cyclical in nature. Clients may have their own apartment or share a two-bedroom apartment with another roommate. One full-time staff person lives on the premises for close access in emergencies, and also carries a 24-hour pager while on duty. The full-time staff person also provides support and counseling concerning day-to-day problems, and supervises and assists clients in obtaining prompt medical and dental care. Individuals in this program work successfully in a variety of job placements within the community, such as behavioral day programs with work experience, and unsupervised employment situations in the private sector.

The Senior Program is a supported independent living program that provides ongoing support to adults with developmental disabilities who are approaching their senior years. It addresses the unique needs of aging individuals, as well as special medical needs such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart conditions, asthma and diet monitoring.

The program provides an environment that allows senior clients to continue living independently in their community. Clients live in either individual one-bedroom apartments or shared two-bedroom apartments within an integrated seniors’ complex.
The program can serve as a long-term living arrangement, and has the potential to increase hours to meet clients’ needs. A Lifehouse employee lives on the premises. Services include medication monitoring, trips to doctors and labs, training in nutrition and healthcare skills, aging counseling and nurse consultations. Consultants such as nutritionists, occupational therapists, behavioral therapists and physical therapists are used to address client needs.