For many people with developmental disabilities, living on their own feels out of reach. However, with the right mix of supports, accessible environments, trusted relationships, and thoughtful technology, independent living is more achievable now than it has ever been. Individuals can live independently while staying safe, connected, and in control of their own lives.
As the disability support landscape continues to evolve, providers and families are asking an important question: what does successful independent living really look like?
The answer is not one-size-fits-all. Independence exists in many different forms, and the most effective solutions are flexible, person-centered, and rooted in dignity. National data show that adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who live in more independent, community-based settings report higher levels of choice, autonomy, and satisfaction compared to those in more restrictive environments (Institute on Community Integration, University of Minnesota).
Living independently doesn’t mean living unsupported. It means having the choice to decide where and how to live, while building support networks that respect independence. People with developmental disabilities may live fully alone, with roommates, or in shared housing arrangements, each offering different levels of structure and social engagement. They may use smart home technology, remote support systems, or no technology at all.
Despite these differences, the goal remains the same: the least restrictive environment where a person can thrive.
What Does “Living Independently” Really Mean?
Independent living for people with developmental disabilities is about autonomy, not isolation. It is the ability to make choices about daily life such as where to live, what to eat, how to spend time, while having access to the right supports when needed.
For some, independence means living fully alone with periodic check-ins. For others, it may involve shared housing, scheduled caregiver visits, or remote overnight monitoring. The structure adapts to the person, not the other way around.
Housing Options for Adults with Developmental Disabilities
People live independently in many different ways:
Fully alone in an apartment or home
With a roommate or housemate
In shared housing with individual private spaces
In community-based residences with flexible support
Each model balances privacy, safety, and connection differently. What matters most is that the individual has meaningful choice and control.
Accessible Homes
Accessible homes are the foundation of independent living. These spaces are intentionally designed or modified to support physical, cognitive, and/or sensory needs.
Features may include:
Simplified layouts
Adaptive kitchens and bathrooms
Visual cues and labeling
Smart lighting
Safety-focused design elements
An accessible home reduces barriers, increases confidence, and allows individuals to complete daily tasks more independently, building life skills while minimizing risk.
Shared Housing and Roommates
Shared housing or roommate arrangements offer a balance between independence and built-in social connection. This can be a great option for those who are not ready or able to live completely alone.
These models can:
Reduce isolation
Lower housing costs
Provide peer support
Preserve privacy and autonomy
Shared living works best when matches are thoughtful and supported by providers who understand individual routines, preferences, and communication styles.
Caregivers and Personal Care Assistants
Even in independent living settings, caregivers and personal care assistants play a vital role. They may assist with:
Activities of daily living
Medication reminders
Transportation
Skill-building
The key is collaboration. Supports should adapt to the individual, not the other way around. The right caregivers empower people to do more for themselves, not less.
When done well, support becomes a bridge to greater independence.
Smart Home Technology for Independent Living
Technology has become a powerful tool in supported independent living. Smart home technology and remote supports can provide safety, structure, and reassurance without being intrusive.
This is where GrandCare stands out. Designed specifically for aging and disability support, GrandCare combines passive sensors, customizable alerts, and secure communication tools to support individuals living alone. It allows caregivers and providers to respond proactively while respecting privacy and independence.
GrandCare can be adapted for nearly any set of needs, making it flexible for a wide range of abilities and living environments. Remote supports enable overnight coverage, wellness checks, and activity awareness, often reducing the need for in-person staffing while increasing safety and peace of mind.
Remote Supports and Reducing Isolation
One of the biggest risks of living independently is isolation. Technology should never replace human connection, but it can strengthen it.
GrandCare’s personalized touchscreen facilitates independence, safety and well-being enabling the individual to self direct and learn new skills. Connection is key to living a happier, fuller life while independent. Feeling connected means feeling supported which is essential to more successful outcomes.
Is It Safe for Someone with a Developmental Disability to Live Alone?
Safety depends on the individual, the environment, and the supports in place.
Successful independent living considers:
Daily living skills
Ability to recognize and respond to risk
Social and emotional needs
Availability of support
Home accessibility
Technology and monitoring options
Living alone may not be appropriate for everyone, and that’s okay. Independence is not defined by isolation. It is defined by choice, dignity, and the right level of support.
Independence Is a Team Effort
People with developmental disabilities live alone successfully when these strategies work together:
Accessible homes
Shared housing options
Caregivers
Smart technology
Remote supports
Most importantly, the individual remains at the center of every decision. There is no cookie-cutter answer. What works well for one person may not work for another.
GrandCare believes independence should never come at the cost of dignity or connection. For many, independence is the most empowering thing they can have.
With over 20 years of experience supporting people in their homes, GrandCare helps make independent living safer, more engaging, and more sustainable for individuals, families, and providers alike.
Frequently Asked Questions About Independent Living for People with I/DD
Can someone with a developmental disability live alone safely?
Yes, when the right supports, environment, and technology are in place. Safety comes from preparation, accessibility, and connection.
What supports are needed for independent living?
Supports may include caregivers, accessible housing, remote monitoring, smart home technology, and social connection. The right combination of support is unique to each person.
What is the “least restrictive environment”?
It is the setting that allows a person to live with the greatest freedom while still meeting safety and support needs.
How does remote support work?
Remote support uses activity prompts, sensors, alerts, cameras, two-way video communication and integrated health devices to monitor vitals, activity patterns and safety. Staff can respond quickly without being physically present.
What technology helps people with disabilities live independently?
Smart home systems, activity sensors, reminders, and communication tools help individuals stay safe, organized, and connected.
About GrandCare
GrandCare has spent more than two decades helping people live safely and independently in their own homes. GrandCare’s platform blends remote monitoring, communication, and engagement into one secure system. It is trusted by providers, families, and organizations nationwide to support independence without sacrificing dignity or connection.
Want to learn more about supporting independent living?
https://www.grandcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/disabled-man-alone-at-home.jpg8001213info@lmcllc.ushttps://www.grandcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/grandcare-logo-300x138.pnginfo@lmcllc.us2026-02-05 13:38:392026-02-05 15:13:43How Do People with Developmental Disabilities Live Alone? A 2026 Guide to Independent Living
Introducing Joseph Donnelly, GrandCare’s New Vice President of Sales
GrandCare is thrilled to introduce our latest team member and our new Vice President of Sales, Joe Donnelly. Hailing from San Marcos, California, Donnelly brings decades of experience in healthcare technology and care at home using innovative technology solutions.
Prior to joining GrandCare, Joe worked at several leading healthcare technology organizations including Current Health, Kyruus and athenahealth focusing on hospital-at-home, remote patient monitoring and improving end-user digital experience. Joe’s entire career has centered around disruptive technical innovation to drive adoption, value realization, and long-term client success.
When he’s not working, Joe is usually chasing live music, dirt trails, or fresh powder. He never says no to a great concert and is often found mountain biking, hiking, snowboarding, or rock crawling in his beloved Jeep. When it’s time to slow things down, he’s happiest on a golf course or traveling with his wife, Pam.
Fun fact: Joe has a fondness for gloriously campy 1960s–70s Dracula movies and is an enthusiastic urban chicken raiser—proof that his interests span vintage vampires, fresh eggs, and just about everything in between.
https://www.grandcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Joe-Donnelly.jpg4971800info@lmcllc.ushttps://www.grandcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/grandcare-logo-300x138.pnginfo@lmcllc.us2025-12-26 13:23:372026-01-02 14:10:48Hey Joe…where you going with that GrandCare in your hand?
As the landscape of aging and disability support evolves, technology has become an indispensable partner in helping individuals live safely, independently, and happily in the least restrictive environment possible. But with so many remote supports options on the market—especially new ventures sensing the market opportunity —it’s crucial for providers to pause and ask the right questions before selecting their technology partner(s).
Keep People at the Center of Care
In this industry, technology is only as good as its ability to enhance human connection and dignity. Every decision should be guided by one principle: keeping people at the center of care. Remote support technology should empower, not monitor; connect, not isolate.
Privacy and Security: Non-Negotiables
When choosing a platform, data privacy and security must come first. Medical readings, activity data, and personal communications are deeply sensitive. Technology giants like Nest, Amazon, or Google thrive on data ecosystems that fuel advertising and analytics. Providers should seek partners who treat data as sacred, not as a commodity. That’s where GrandCare stands apart—protecting both the dignity and the privacy of the individuals served.
Key Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Remote Supports Technology
1. How long have you been doing this?
Experience matters. With over 20 years of proven success, GrandCare has been trusted in homes, senior living communities, and disability support organizations nationwide. We have been doing it this long because we believe in people over profit. Longevity means stability, knowledge, and a track record of integrity.
2. What would your clients say about your customer service?
Ask for references. Listen to stories. The right technology partner is one that’s there when you need them—with real people who care. GrandCare’s entire team is known for its integrity, honesty, and passion for helping their clients succeed.
3. Is my data kept private—and do third parties have access?
Cameras, sensors and home assistants from large tech conglomerates may not be ensuring that all data is fully private and secure. GrandCare adheres to all HIPAA regulations with a closed and encrypted ecosystem to ensure client data is stored privately, safely and securely.
4. What online training resources are available?
A platform is only effective if people are properly using it. Ask about training tools, onsite onboarding programs, and ongoing support. GrandCare provides comprehensive, on-demand training and a responsive support desk every day including on-call weekend hours.
5. How do I get client buy-in?
Make sure there are benefits for the individual being supported. Socialization, connection and access to secure online entertainment is a human right that shouldn’t depend on ability. GrandCare puts the person at the center with a customized touchscreen complete with their favorite videos, music, photos and white listed, secure video chat and messaging access to designated individuals.
6. Who profits if your company does well (how are you funded)?
It’s important to understand whether the company’s primary goal is profit—or people. VC-backed organizations answer to venture share holders. Privately held organizations like GrandCare answer to the client with a focus on ethical service and long term sustainability.
7. Do you have APIs for integration?
Integration ensures that data and communication flow seamlessly across systems with one interactive dashboard. GrandCare’s robust APIs allow for interoperability with other care systems, ensuring smooth operations for providers and better outcomes for clients.
Why GrandCare Is the Right Choice for Remote Supports
When choosing a technology partner, remember: you’re not just selecting a technology company—you’re choosing the people behind it. Ethically, fiscally, and practically—GrandCare stands apart. For more than two decades, GrandCare has been trusted in homes of thousands of older adults and individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
https://www.grandcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/young-man-cooking-with-GrandCare-instructions.jpg8201685info@lmcllc.ushttps://www.grandcare.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/grandcare-logo-300x138.pnginfo@lmcllc.us2025-11-24 12:38:122026-02-05 13:44:10Choosing a Remote Supports Technology: Top Questions Disability and Aging Service Providers Should Ask
How Do People with Developmental Disabilities Live Alone? A 2026 Guide to Independent Living
For many people with developmental disabilities, living on their own feels out of reach. However, with the right mix of supports, accessible environments, trusted relationships, and thoughtful technology, independent living is more achievable now than it has ever been. Individuals can live independently while staying safe, connected, and in control of their own lives.
As the disability support landscape continues to evolve, providers and families are asking an important question: what does successful independent living really look like?
The answer is not one-size-fits-all. Independence exists in many different forms, and the most effective solutions are flexible, person-centered, and rooted in dignity. National data show that adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who live in more independent, community-based settings report higher levels of choice, autonomy, and satisfaction compared to those in more restrictive environments (Institute on Community Integration, University of Minnesota).
Living independently doesn’t mean living unsupported. It means having the choice to decide where and how to live, while building support networks that respect independence. People with developmental disabilities may live fully alone, with roommates, or in shared housing arrangements, each offering different levels of structure and social engagement. They may use smart home technology, remote support systems, or no technology at all.
Despite these differences, the goal remains the same: the least restrictive environment where a person can thrive.
What Does “Living Independently” Really Mean?
Independent living for people with developmental disabilities is about autonomy, not isolation. It is the ability to make choices about daily life such as where to live, what to eat, how to spend time, while having access to the right supports when needed.
For some, independence means living fully alone with periodic check-ins. For others, it may involve shared housing, scheduled caregiver visits, or remote overnight monitoring. The structure adapts to the person, not the other way around.
Housing Options for Adults with Developmental Disabilities
People live independently in many different ways:
Each model balances privacy, safety, and connection differently. What matters most is that the individual has meaningful choice and control.
Accessible Homes
Accessible homes are the foundation of independent living. These spaces are intentionally designed or modified to support physical, cognitive, and/or sensory needs.
Features may include:
An accessible home reduces barriers, increases confidence, and allows individuals to complete daily tasks more independently, building life skills while minimizing risk.
Shared Housing and Roommates
Shared housing or roommate arrangements offer a balance between independence and built-in social connection. This can be a great option for those who are not ready or able to live completely alone.
These models can:
Shared living works best when matches are thoughtful and supported by providers who understand individual routines, preferences, and communication styles.
Caregivers and Personal Care Assistants
Even in independent living settings, caregivers and personal care assistants play a vital role. They may assist with:
The key is collaboration. Supports should adapt to the individual, not the other way around. The right caregivers empower people to do more for themselves, not less.
When done well, support becomes a bridge to greater independence.
Smart Home Technology for Independent Living
Technology has become a powerful tool in supported independent living. Smart home technology and remote supports can provide safety, structure, and reassurance without being intrusive.
This is where GrandCare stands out. Designed specifically for aging and disability support, GrandCare combines passive sensors, customizable alerts, and secure communication tools to support individuals living alone. It allows caregivers and providers to respond proactively while respecting privacy and independence.
GrandCare can be adapted for nearly any set of needs, making it flexible for a wide range of abilities and living environments. Remote supports enable overnight coverage, wellness checks, and activity awareness, often reducing the need for in-person staffing while increasing safety and peace of mind.
Remote Supports and Reducing Isolation
One of the biggest risks of living independently is isolation. Technology should never replace human connection, but it can strengthen it.
GrandCare’s personalized touchscreen facilitates independence, safety and well-being enabling the individual to self direct and learn new skills. Connection is key to living a happier, fuller life while independent. Feeling connected means feeling supported which is essential to more successful outcomes.
Is It Safe for Someone with a Developmental Disability to Live Alone?
Safety depends on the individual, the environment, and the supports in place.
Successful independent living considers:
Living alone may not be appropriate for everyone, and that’s okay. Independence is not defined by isolation. It is defined by choice, dignity, and the right level of support.
Independence Is a Team Effort
People with developmental disabilities live alone successfully when these strategies work together:
Most importantly, the individual remains at the center of every decision. There is no cookie-cutter answer. What works well for one person may not work for another.
GrandCare believes independence should never come at the cost of dignity or connection. For many, independence is the most empowering thing they can have.
With over 20 years of experience supporting people in their homes, GrandCare helps make independent living safer, more engaging, and more sustainable for individuals, families, and providers alike.
Frequently Asked Questions About Independent Living for People with I/DD
Can someone with a developmental disability live alone safely?
Yes, when the right supports, environment, and technology are in place. Safety comes from preparation, accessibility, and connection.
What supports are needed for independent living?
Supports may include caregivers, accessible housing, remote monitoring, smart home technology, and social connection. The right combination of support is unique to each person.
What is the “least restrictive environment”?
It is the setting that allows a person to live with the greatest freedom while still meeting safety and support needs.
How does remote support work?
Remote support uses activity prompts, sensors, alerts, cameras, two-way video communication and integrated health devices to monitor vitals, activity patterns and safety. Staff can respond quickly without being physically present.
What technology helps people with disabilities live independently?
Smart home systems, activity sensors, reminders, and communication tools help individuals stay safe, organized, and connected.
About GrandCare
GrandCare has spent more than two decades helping people live safely and independently in their own homes. GrandCare’s platform blends remote monitoring, communication, and engagement into one secure system. It is trusted by providers, families, and organizations nationwide to support independence without sacrificing dignity or connection.
Want to learn more about supporting independent living?
Contact GrandCare for a demo and see how technology can empower independence without losing the human touch.
Hey Joe…where you going with that GrandCare in your hand?
Introducing Joseph Donnelly, GrandCare’s New Vice President of Sales
GrandCare is thrilled to introduce our latest team member and our new Vice President of Sales, Joe Donnelly. Hailing from San Marcos, California, Donnelly brings decades of experience in healthcare technology and care at home using innovative technology solutions.
Prior to joining GrandCare, Joe worked at several leading healthcare technology organizations including Current Health, Kyruus and athenahealth focusing on hospital-at-home, remote patient monitoring and improving end-user digital experience. Joe’s entire career has centered around disruptive technical innovation to drive adoption, value realization, and long-term client success.
When he’s not working, Joe is usually chasing live music, dirt trails, or fresh powder. He never says no to a great concert and is often found mountain biking, hiking, snowboarding, or rock crawling in his beloved Jeep. When it’s time to slow things down, he’s happiest on a golf course or traveling with his wife, Pam.
Fun fact: Joe has a fondness for gloriously campy 1960s–70s Dracula movies and is an enthusiastic urban chicken raiser—proof that his interests span vintage vampires, fresh eggs, and just about everything in between.
Choosing a Remote Supports Technology: Top Questions Disability and Aging Service Providers Should Ask
As the landscape of aging and disability support evolves, technology has become an indispensable partner in helping individuals live safely, independently, and happily in the least restrictive environment possible. But with so many remote supports options on the market—especially new ventures sensing the market opportunity —it’s crucial for providers to pause and ask the right questions before selecting their technology partner(s).
Keep People at the Center of Care
In this industry, technology is only as good as its ability to enhance human connection and dignity. Every decision should be guided by one principle: keeping people at the center of care. Remote support technology should empower, not monitor; connect, not isolate.
Privacy and Security: Non-Negotiables
When choosing a platform, data privacy and security must come first. Medical readings, activity data, and personal communications are deeply sensitive. Technology giants like Nest, Amazon, or Google thrive on data ecosystems that fuel advertising and analytics. Providers should seek partners who treat data as sacred, not as a commodity. That’s where GrandCare stands apart—protecting both the dignity and the privacy of the individuals served.
Key Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Remote Supports Technology
1. How long have you been doing this?
Experience matters. With over 20 years of proven success, GrandCare has been trusted in homes, senior living communities, and disability support organizations nationwide. We have been doing it this long because we believe in people over profit. Longevity means stability, knowledge, and a track record of integrity.
2. What would your clients say about your customer service?
Ask for references. Listen to stories. The right technology partner is one that’s there when you need them—with real people who care. GrandCare’s entire team is known for its integrity, honesty, and passion for helping their clients succeed.
3. Is my data kept private—and do third parties have access?
Cameras, sensors and home assistants from large tech conglomerates may not be ensuring that all data is fully private and secure. GrandCare adheres to all HIPAA regulations with a closed and encrypted ecosystem to ensure client data is stored privately, safely and securely.
4. What online training resources are available?
A platform is only effective if people are properly using it. Ask about training tools, onsite onboarding programs, and ongoing support. GrandCare provides comprehensive, on-demand training and a responsive support desk every day including on-call weekend hours.
5. How do I get client buy-in?
Make sure there are benefits for the individual being supported. Socialization, connection and access to secure online entertainment is a human right that shouldn’t depend on ability. GrandCare puts the person at the center with a customized touchscreen complete with their favorite videos, music, photos and white listed, secure video chat and messaging access to designated individuals.
6. Who profits if your company does well (how are you funded)?
It’s important to understand whether the company’s primary goal is profit—or people. VC-backed organizations answer to venture share holders. Privately held organizations like GrandCare answer to the client with a focus on ethical service and long term sustainability.
7. Do you have APIs for integration?
Integration ensures that data and communication flow seamlessly across systems with one interactive dashboard. GrandCare’s robust APIs allow for interoperability with other care systems, ensuring smooth operations for providers and better outcomes for clients.
Why GrandCare Is the Right Choice for Remote Supports
When choosing a technology partner, remember: you’re not just selecting a technology company—you’re choosing the people behind it. Ethically, fiscally, and practically—GrandCare stands apart. For more than two decades, GrandCare has been trusted in homes of thousands of older adults and individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Want to learn more? Contact us for a demo.