When an adult with a developmental disability is ready to explore a new home with round-the-clock support, the next question is usually a practical one: how do we actually start? For support coordinators, case managers and families, making a referral can feel like one more form in an already long process. This guide explains how to make a referral for DD residential supervised living in Virginia, who can make one, what information to have ready and what happens after you reach out to Xylis Healthcare.
This is general information to help you prepare. Eligibility, waiver assignment and service authorization are handled through Virginia’s official processes, and decisions about a specific person are made with the person, their family or guardian and their support coordinator.
What DD Residential Supervised Living Is
DD Residential Supervised Living is a residential service for adults on Virginia’s developmental disability (DD) waivers. At Xylis Healthcare, it means a home-like setting staffed around the clock, an individual support plan built around the person’s goals and help with daily living and community skills. You can read more on our services page, and our guide to 24/7 supervised living for adults with developmental disabilities shows what everyday life can look like.
Before the Referral: The Waiver Pathway
Supervised living is usually funded through one of Virginia’s DD Medicaid waivers. According to the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS), the DD Waivers are administered jointly with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS). There is a waiting list, slots are assigned based on urgency of need and the way to apply is through your local Community Services Board (CSB).
Xylis accepts the Community Living (CL) and Family and Individual Supports (FIS) waivers. Our article on Virginia DD waivers for supervised living explains both. If a person is not yet on a waiver or you are unsure which applies, you can still contact us; we will talk through next steps together with their support coordinator.
Who Can Make a Referral
Referrals can come from anyone involved in the person’s life:
- Support coordinators and case managers, often through a CSB or Behavioral Health Authority.
- Family members and guardians who are exploring residential options.
- Individuals who want to learn about a new home for themselves.
- Other professionals who support the person and want to connect them with services.
Families who do not yet have a support coordinator can start with their local CSB. The Virginia Association of Community Services Boards keeps a CSB and BHA directory that you can search by city, county or ZIP code. DBHDS also notes on its developmental services page that people on the DD Waivers waiting list may be eligible for case management through their local CSB or BHA.
What to Have Ready
A referral does not need to be complicated. When you contact Xylis, it helps to have:
- The individual’s name and age
- Their waiver type (CL or FIS), or a note that you are not sure yet
- The support coordinator’s name, agency or CSB, phone and email
- Family or guardian contact information, if applicable
- The best time and way to reach you
Please protect privacy. Do not send medical records or other private health details by email, voicemail or web form. We will call you to discuss the referral and share information through appropriate channels.
How the Xylis Referral Process Works
1. Contact us by phone, email or form
Call (240) 639-2059, email xylishealthcare@outlook.com with the subject line “Referral,” or use the request form on our referrals page. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
2. Initial conversation
We learn about the person, their needs and their goals. This is a good time to ask questions about how our homes work day to day, how staff support routines and choices and how we communicate with families and coordinators.
3. Planning and move-in
If supervised living with Xylis looks like the right fit, we work with the individual, their family or guardian and their support coordinator on a smooth transition. Planning centers on what matters to the person, as described in our guide to person-centered supervised living.
Tips for Support Coordinators
- Start with the person’s goals. Share what a good day and a good home look like to them, not only what support they need.
- Bring the right people in early. Families and guardians often have important insight into routines, preferences and past moves.
- Ask about the home setting. Location, community connections and daily routines all affect how well a person settles in.
- Use official resources. The DBHDS-supported My Life, My Community site is a helpful starting point for families learning about DD services.
Tips for Families Preparing for a Move
A move is a big change, and small steps can make it easier. Talk with your loved one about the move in ways they understand, visit when possible and bring familiar belongings such as photos, a favorite blanket or a special mug to help a new bedroom feel like home. Families helping set up a new space can find a practical move-in cleaning checklist from our neighbors at Alomo Cleaning Services.
About Xylis Healthcare
Xylis Healthcare Services LLC provides DD Residential Supervised Living for adults with developmental disabilities across Virginia, with our office in Northern Virginia. Our homes are staffed around the clock and offer a calm, comfortable, home-like setting, and we work closely with each person, their family or guardian and their support coordinator. Learn more about us or see answers to common questions on our FAQ page. Xylis is part of a family of local businesses that includes MastermindGOC.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make a referral for DD residential supervised living with Xylis?
Call (240) 639-2059, email xylishealthcare@outlook.com with the subject “Referral,” or use the form on our referrals page. We will respond promptly to discuss next steps.
Does the person need to be on a waiver before I call?
No. You can reach out at any stage. We accept the CL and FIS waivers, and if a person is not yet on a waiver we will help you think through next steps with their support coordinator.
Can a family member make a referral without a support coordinator?
Yes. Families, guardians and individuals can all contact us. We will also encourage you to connect with your local CSB, which handles DD waiver applications and support coordination.
Is Xylis a group home?
No. Xylis provides DD Residential Supervised Living, a residential service for adults on Virginia’s DD waivers. It is not a group home.
Start a Referral Today
If you are a support coordinator, case manager or family member ready to make a referral for DD residential supervised living in Virginia, we are here 24/7. Call (240) 639-2059, email xylishealthcare@outlook.com (subject line “Referral”) or reach us through our contact page. Our office is at 2121 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA 22314.