Independent Living supports adults with developmental disabilities to live independently in the community. Typically individuals live alone or with a roommate in an apartment or condominium in the Greater Lowell, Massachusetts area. The Independent Living program embodies the philosophy “give a man a fish, he’ll eat for a day; teach him how to fish and he will eat for a lifetime." With a little bit of caring support, individuals with a disability have demonstrated that they have the right to, and are capable of living independently in their community.

Case management staff provides support to people living independently by visiting them in their homes. Hours of staff support are dependent on the level of independence of the individual and range from 4 hours per month to 2 hours per day seven days a week. Staff helps people learn how to manage their finances, food shop, prepare meals, arrange for and learn how to use public transportation, complete household chores, plan leisure activities and access community resources. Staff may attend doctor’s appointments with an individual, act as liaison to their employer, and provide moral support as needed. Many individuals work or attend a Day Service, some do not.

Individuals pay for their own rent, utilities and telephone, food and leisure activities. Many are eligible for, and receive some form of housing subsidy. Typically, the Massachusetts Department of Mental Retardation funds staff support. Private pay is accepted for those not eligible for support from the Department of Mental Retardation. While most of the individuals living independently are able to meet their daily financial needs on their monthly income, most do not have adequate savings to purchase items such as a bed or a mattress. In these cases, LifeLinks tries to secure grant funding and donations to assist individuals who need to buy or replace furniture and equipment. Individuals and or families who are interested in receiving funding for staff support of an individual who is planning to live independently in the community or who are already living in the community should contact the Lowell Department of Mental Retardation at (978) 322-4301. Private pay is accepted at a rate of $29.20/hour for staff support. For private pay please contact LifeLink’s Chief Executive Officer at (978) 459-6179 ext. 633 or email at JPhelps@lifelinks.ws .