Navigating the Future Together
If you're caring for a loved one with intellectual or developmental disabilities, you're likely carrying questions that don't have easy answers. Questions about housing. Questions about support. Questions about funding. Questions about the future.
At David's House Ministries, we understand those questions because we've walked alongside families like you. While every family's journey is different, we hope the resources below provide guidance, encouragement, and practical next steps as you plan for the future.
Planning for the Future Can Feel Overwhelming
Many families tell us they find themselves asking:
What happens when I can no longer provide care?
What housing options are available?
How do Medicaid and disability services work?
Where do I even begin?
How can I make sure my loved one is cared for long-term?
These are important questions.
While we may not always have the answers, we're committed to helping families find the resources and support they need.
Explore Resources by Topic
Planning for the Future
Planning for the long-term care and well-being of a loved one can feel overwhelming. These resources can help families begin important conversations and make informed decisions.
The Arc's Center for Future Planning
Tools and guidance to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families plan for the future.
Michigan Alliance for Families
Information, education, and support for Michigan families navigating disability services, education, transition, and adulthood.
Disability Rights Michigan—Future Planning
Michigan-specific information about transition, employment, independence, and planning for life after school.
Michigan Developmental Disabilities Council
Statewide information, publications, advocacy resources, and programs for people with developmental disabilities and their families.
Housing & Residential Support
Finding the right living environment is one of the most important decisions families face.
Explore organizations and resources that provide information about housing options, residential care, and community living opportunities.
Michigan Adult Foster Care and Homes for the Aged Resources
Information about licensed residential settings, resident rights, facility searches, and licensing records.
Choosing a Licensed Adult Foster Care Setting
Guidance for evaluating licensed settings and accessing facility and inspection information.
Michigan Housing Resources for People with Disabilities
Connections to state housing programs, housing assistance, disability protections, and related resources.
Benefits & Funding
Understanding Medicaid, waiver programs, and disability benefits can be challenging.
These resources can help families navigate available funding and support systems.
MI Bridges
Apply for and manage Michigan benefits, including health coverage, food assistance, cash assistance, and emergency assistance.
Social Security Disability Benefits
Official information about Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), eligibility, and the application process.
MiABLE Disability Savings Program
A savings program that helps eligible individuals and families save for qualified disability expenses while protecting eligibility for certain public benefits.
Michigan Alliance for Families—Financial Resources
Information about Social Security, MiABLE accounts, special-needs trusts, MI Bridges, family subsidies, and other financial resources.
The Arc Michigan—Programs and Financial Planning Resources
Information about special-needs trusts, benefits counseling, self-determination, and other statewide programs.
Family & Caregiver Support
Caring for a loved one with IDD can be rewarding—but it can also be challenging.
These resources are designed to support caregivers, parents, siblings, and family members along the way.
Michigan Family Caregiver Resources
Caregiver information covering future planning, backup care, health, finances, legal resources, and home and community-based support.
The Arc Michigan
Statewide advocacy, education, resources, and support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
Disability Network Michigan
Connects individuals and families with Michigan's Centers for Independent Living for information, advocacy, accessibility, and community-based support
Disclaimer: The resources listed on this page are provided for informational purposes only. David’s House Ministries does not endorse or guarantee the services of these organizations. We encourage families to evaluate each resource to determine what best meets their needs.
Questions Families Often Ask
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Specialized Residential is an additional certification given by the state that allows an Adult Foster Care provider to support individuals with personal care and community living supports training and guidance.
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All of David’s House AFC homes are licensed by the State of Michigan through LARA. They also have additional specialized certification to provide personal care and community living support services and training.
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David’s House Ministries is licensed to support adults over the age of 18 with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. The average age of our residents is 40-60 years old.
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The cost to a family or individual who is supported by Medicaid is the base AFC rate set by the state. Social Security is adjusted if needed to support this cost. Currently, David’s House does not charge additional room and board for private rooms and bathrooms. The daily cost of care is paid through the Medicaid waiver programs or through the Michigan Mental Health Code, alongside federal Medicaid laws, that mandate the provision of home and community-based services (HCBS) to eligible individuals with severe mental illness, intellectual/developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders. The state delivers these supports through local Community Mental Health Service Programs. The daily rate set in cooperation with your local Community Mental Health organization. Not all Medicaid recipients are deemed to qualify for the level of care that David’s House provides. Private pay cost of care is determined on an individual basis and would start at about $8000 a month.
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The vast majority of the individuals living at David’s House are funded through the Medicaid Waiver programs or through the Michigan Mental Health Code, alongside federal Medicaid laws, that mandate the provision of home and community-based services (HCBS) to eligible individuals with severe mental illness, intellectual/developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders, but David’s House is not able to bill Medicaid, Medicare, or a commercial insurance plan, directly.
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The best time to start planning is earlier than you think. Many families begin exploring options years before a transition becomes necessary, giving them time to understand resources, build relationships, and make informed decisions.
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Housing needs vary from person to person. Community Mental Health agencies, residential providers, advocacy organizations, and care coordinators can often help families identify available options and develop a long-term plan.
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The first step to live at DHMIN is to establish a relationship with us through a referral packet and conversation. You will need to discuss with your care team whether you or your loved one qualifies for specialized residential services. Once the initial relationship is established, it is important to stay in communication and provide at least annual updates.
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David’s House does not maintain a wait list in the traditional sense that it would be followed in chronological order, but we are able to open files for individuals to assess whether they would be a fit for a potential opening in the future. We are committed to providing care and support for individuals who live with us throughout their life span, so wellness of fit and ability to provide ongoing care and support is paramount. Individuals interested in living in a David’s House home should provide at least annual updates on their loved one to keep the most accurate picture of support needs and to show ongoing interest.
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Absolutely.
While we may not always have residential openings, we're committed to helping families connect with resources, information, and organizations that may be helpful as they navigate their journey.
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David's House provides long-term residential care and support for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a community-centered environment focused on belonging, dignity, and meaningful relationships.
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Our team would be happy to answer questions and help point you toward resources that may be helpful.
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Contact your local social security administration office for eligibility and application requirements. Your local CMH may also have a benefits department that can assist in this process if you are receiving services through them.
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David’s House operates one co-ed home. All the individuals in that home require higher than average medical and/or personal care supports. All other homes are separated by biological sex.
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A nursing home is a medical care facility for individuals needing 24-hour access to nursing care supports. Assisted living is a residential housing and care option for individuals who need help with daily tasks but do not require the intensive medical care of a nursing home. It bridges the gap between independent living and skilled nursing facilities, offering personalized support while promoting autonomy. Many times, individuals will live in their own apartment or condo but have 24/7 access to care and support if needed. Staffing ratios for both arrangements tend to be higher with more individuals assigned to singe direct care provider, but also having direct access to medical supports if needed. An AFC home is a community home that is licensed to provide care and supervision to individuals in a community setting. Some AFC homes are built
for this purpose, like David’s House, but many are just community homes like you have in your neighborhood. AFC homes can provide all the supports and cares that an individual could have in their own homes but are unable to support individuals who require ongoing daily nursing care. David’s House has chosen to support individuals moderate to high personal care and community living support needs but cannot support individuals with high behavioral needs.
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David’s House is a non-profit and is dependent on the ongoing support of our donors to provide the highest level of quality care to the individuals who live with us.
Still Have Questions?
Every family's situation is unique.
If you're looking for guidance, resources, or simply someone to point you in the right direction, we'd love to help.