Finding the right place for an adult with a developmental disability to live is one of the biggest decisions a family can make. You want a home where your loved one is safe, but you also want a place where they keep making their own choices, build skills and feel part of the community. That balance is what person-centered supervised living is all about. This guide explains what it means in Virginia, how it connects to the DD Medicaid waivers, and what families, guardians and support coordinators can ask when comparing providers.
What Is Person-Centered Supervised Living?
Supervised living means staff are available to help a person throughout the day and night. Person-centered means the support is shaped around the individual, not around a fixed schedule or a one-size-fits-all program. Put together, person-centered supervised living gives an adult with a developmental disability round-the-clock help while keeping their goals, preferences and routines at the center of every decision.
In practice, that looks like:
- Staff who are present and ready to help at any hour
- A daily routine the person helps design, from wake-up time to meals and activities
- Support with everyday tasks that builds independence instead of replacing it
- Regular time in the community, not just inside the home
- A written plan that changes as the person’s goals change
At Xylis Healthcare Services, our DD Residential Supervised Living services are built on this approach for adults with developmental disabilities across Virginia.
How Virginia’s DD Waivers Fit In
Virginia has three Medicaid waivers for people with a developmental disability: Building Independence (BI), Family and Individual Supports (FIS) and Community Living (CL). The waivers are administered jointly by the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) and the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS). You can read the official overview on the DMAS Developmental Disability Waivers page.
Xylis accepts two of these waivers:
- Community Living (CL) Waiver – generally for people who need support in their home all the time
- Family and Individual Supports (FIS) Waiver – for children and adults who may live with family, friends or in their own homes, with varying support needs (Xylis serves adults)
Virginia keeps a waiting list for waiver slots, and the first step for screening is your local Community Services Board (CSB) or Behavioral Health Authority. DBHDS explains the process on its waiver information page for individuals and families. If your loved one already has a waiver, their support coordinator is the best person to help you explore residential options.
What Daily Life Can Look Like
Every person’s day is different, and that is the point. Still, families often ask what support covers. Here is a general picture.
Daily living skills
- Planning and cooking meals
- Cleaning, laundry and caring for personal space
- Personal care and hygiene routines
- Keeping a calendar and managing appointments
Community skills
- Outings, activities and errands in the neighborhood
- Practicing communication and decision-making in real settings
- Building friendships and connections outside the home
Around-the-clock support
Staff are available 24/7, so help is there overnight, on weekends and on holidays. The goal is safety without taking away choice. Staff encourage people to do as much as they can for themselves and step in when help is needed.
Questions to Ask When Comparing Providers
Whether you are a parent, guardian, support coordinator or case manager, a short list of questions can help you compare providers fairly.
- Which waivers do you accept? Confirm the provider works with the waiver your loved one has, such as CL or FIS.
- How is the support plan built? Ask who is involved and how often the plan is reviewed. The person, their family or guardian, and their support coordinator should all have a voice.
- How do staff balance safety and independence? Look for answers that describe teaching skills, not just doing tasks for people.
- What does a typical week include? Ask about community outings, activities and how the person’s interests shape the schedule.
- How will you keep us informed? Clear, regular communication with families and support coordinators matters.
- Who do we call, and when? Find out how to reach the provider, including after hours.
Our FAQ page answers many of these questions about how Xylis works.
Tips for Support Coordinators and Case Managers
Support coordinators play a key role in matching a person with the right residential support. A few things can make the referral process smoother:
- Share the person’s goals, strengths and preferences early so the provider can plan around them
- Note any communication preferences, routines or supports that already work well
- Include the family or guardian in early conversations
- Ask the provider how they will report progress toward plan goals
When you are ready, you can start on our referrals page. We are glad to talk through whether our services are a good fit before anything is submitted.
Helpful Virginia Resources for Families
If you are just starting to learn about developmental disability services, the state-supported My Life My Community site helps people with developmental disabilities and their families answer basic questions about waivers, housing and local services. It is a good companion to conversations with your CSB and support coordinator.
About Xylis Healthcare Services
Xylis Healthcare Services LLC provides DD Residential Supervised Living for adults with developmental disabilities in Virginia. Our office is at 2121 Eisenhower Ave in Alexandria, in Northern Virginia, and we are available 24/7. You can learn more about our team and approach on our About Us page.
Xylis is part of a family of local businesses that includes MastermindGOC, which helps businesses with setup, staffing and growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is supervised living the same as a group home?
No. Xylis provides DD Residential Supervised Living services and is not a group home. Your support coordinator can help explain the differences between residential service types under Virginia’s DD waivers.
Which DD waivers does Xylis accept?
We accept the Community Living (CL) Waiver and the Family and Individual Supports (FIS) Waiver.
Who can make a referral?
Families, guardians, support coordinators and case managers can all reach out. Use our referrals page or contact us directly.
What if we don’t have a waiver yet?
Start by contacting your local Community Services Board for screening. You are also welcome to call us with questions about next steps.
Talk With Xylis About Person-Centered Supervised Living
If you are exploring person-centered supervised living for an adult with a developmental disability in Virginia, we are here to help. Call (240) 639-2059, email xylishealthcare@outlook.com, visit our contact page, or submit a referral today.