Places That Help Adults Learn How to Live

Some adults, especially those with mental illness and some physical handicaps, could have a difficult time knowing how to care for themselves. They require someone to help them with even the most basic tasks. However, places that work with these disabled adults can help teach them how to live and function with minimal help so they can be more independent.

Colleges

• Some colleges offer programs that help teach adults how to handle living on their own. The classes focus on teaching a person the basic skills for taking care of himself when there is no one around to help him out. In addition, the program might offer counseling services to help teach him how to handle emotions and deal with problems that may arise. The primary focus of the program is to arm each student with the skills needed to live on his own.

Government Programs

• Each state in the U.S. offers help to adults that suffer from varying degrees of mental retardation and other problems that create difficulties living on their own. These programs accept adults beginning at the age of 21. The program takes over once a mentally-challenged individual no longer receives assistance through school. Each state operates these programs through the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation and includes services to help teach work skills to help individuals become functioning members of society.

Independent Programs

• Similar to the government programs, some organizations offer independent programs geared toward helping disabled adults learn how to function on their own. Adults in these programs learn how to do essential activities, such as shopping, cooking and cleaning. They also learn job skills, such as operating office equipment and restaurant work, which help them earn a living and become more independent. These programs typically use hands-on experience to help adults learn more effectively.

Nursing Homes and Assisted Living

• Those who require additional help while they are learning because of lack of family support nearby or because they have a more severe disability, can learn the skills they need while in a nursing home or assisted-living facility. Nursing homes are best for those who require more constant supervision. Those who already possess some of the necessary skills to live on their own can benefit from an assisted-living facility where help is nearby if needed. In this situation, an adult can practice her skills while receiving assistance if she needs it.