Tag Archive for: remote supports

Remote supports enable people with disabilities to live independently

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:

  • 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?

Contact GrandCare for a demo and see how technology can empower independence without losing the human touch.

Choosing a remote supports technology? Here are the top questions disability service providers need to ask.

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.

Activity monitoring and remote supports for individuals with disabilities

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.

Join GrandCare in Little Rock at the Enabling Technology Summit

The Enabling Technology Summit is dedicated to exploring the latest advancements in assistive technology and remote supports. GrandCare is proud to be a Bronze sponsor this year and will be exhibiting our platform at the event. The Summit will take place at the Little Rock Marriott September 9-10, 2025.

At-a-Glance Schedule

September 9th:
12:00 – 5:00pm: GrandCare Booth is open (Salon Foyer)
2:00 – 2:45pm: Join GrandCare for the vendor lightning round (Salon B&C)
5:00 – 7:00pm: Network with Scott from GrandCare

September 10th:
7:30am – 12pm GrandCare Booth is open (Salon Foyer)

What makes GrandCare a great assistive technology and remote support tool?

GrandCare is a touchscreen and sensor-based monitoring technology that allows remote caregivers, family, or guardians to remotely monitor various sensor activities throughout the home (motion, door, temperature) as well as telehealth devices (blood pressure, weight, pulse ox, glucose). Caregivers can choose how and when to receive alerts based on pre-set parameters (e.g. if an individual gets out of bed in the middle of the night, call, email or text their designated caregiver).

The GrandCare touchscreen is typically mounted in several rooms of the house to support the individual with room-related tasks, daily schedule and one touch caregiver access from those rooms. Sensors and cameras can be placed inside and outside the home.

Most individuals will have a GrandCare touchscreen in the kitchen with recipes, kitchen safety tips and step-by-step videos. A bathroom touchscreen might have hygiene-related videos. All GrandCare touchscreens are personally customized by the GrandCare team specifically for the individual with to do task lists (e.g. brush your teeth, take a shower, take out the garbage), room specific how-to videos, daily schedule of events and entertainment personalized options such as hobby pictures, entertainment videos (locked-down youtube videos based on interests).

Our online portal allows caregivers to receive alerts on their desktop computer, iPad, or phone.

GrandCare is NOT a personal emergency response system, a fall detection system or a fire prevention system. We provide a system to help individuals be more independent and self supporting while designated family/caregivers can remotely monitor and support the individual.

Want to see how GrandCare is positively impacting the lives of people with disabilities in Arkansas? Check out this video about how Easterseals Arkansas is using GrandCare technology to promote independent living within their roommate housing program.

If you’re at the Enabling Technology Summit, stop by our booth. GrandCare’s director of training and sales support, Scott Feldstein, will show you around the touchscreen and answer any questions you may have about setting up remote supports and monitoring. We’ll also have giveaways!

Not attending? Contact us for a demo.

Job vacancies noticeboard

How to Reduce Overnight Staffing and Provide BETTER Remote Support

If you’re experiencing overnight staffing shortages, an increased population of clients who need support, as well as burnout for existing staff, you are not alone. Disability Service Support Agencies find themselves with the frustration of a client population with support needs and not enough physical staff to meet those needs.

We have good news. Assistive technology can help and sometimes even reduce onsite support hours by implementing a remote supports model powered by industry leader, GrandCare Systems.

And what if we told you that not only will your organization save money, but your staff will be more efficient and your clients will experience more independence. Sound too good to be true? It’s not, and we have several studies to prove it.

Many of your clients may need occasional help in the overnight hours, but maybe not every single night and it certainly isn’t necessarily all night. Having a staff member on site for an eight hour shift every single night is a very costly and inefficient way to solve for this kind of need.

Consider the following scenario.

Safely Reducing Overnight Staffing Hours for Marco

Marco has a few things he needs help with and he has engaged a support agency to provide that help. One of the concerns is that he has a sleep-related eating disorder. Occasionally, he’ll get up at night, go to the kitchen and eat a lot of things he shouldn’t. In some cases he might eat things that aren’t even food, creating an even more dangerous situation. For this reason the agency recommended that they have a support person there during the overnight hours.

On the occasion that Marco did get up and make his way to the kitchen, the support staff would wake up and simply say “Hey, Marco, it’s 2 o’clock in the morning. Don’t you think you should go back to bed?” Marco would often nod and go back to bed. In his case, Marco only needed that brief conversation to remain safe.

Now Marco is receiving this support remotely. When he gets out of bed, a motion sensor alerts the remote support staff that there is activity in his kitchen. Then the remote support staff member drops in on the kitchen GrandCare touchscreen to assist him in going back to bed.

Marco no longer needs an overnight staff person and he still has 24/7 available support.

But there are many “Marcos” in your organization.

The remote staff cater to Marco’s needs, but also can simultaneously be available to 21 other residents in the overnight timeframe.

Overnight staffing reduced from 1:1 to 1:22

The staffing ratio has now gone from 1:1 to 1:22.

Freeing up these staff members allows your agency to reallocate staff hours to serve more people and to help those who really do need in-person support.

Remote Supports Improve Care

In Marco’s case, he only needed about 60 seconds of support. Using a remote supports model through GrandCare, he can get this support only when he needs it and feel more independent the rest of the time.

This not only improves Marco’s quality of life, but improves the lives of your caregiving team and organization.

Talk about a win-win!

Learn more about how GrandCare’s remote support features can help reduce in-person caregiving hours and overnight staffing. Contact us now to schedule a demo.