Answers For Family Caregivers & Parents

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are a few frequently asked questions about Villa de Vida, by parents and other family members providing care and support to a loved one.

Table of Contents

  1. Question 1: Will my adult child be safe and well-supported living at Villa de Vida?

  2. Question 2: What level of independence is required for residents, and will there be help with daily tasks if needed?

  3. Question 3: What services and activities does Villa de Vida provide for the residents?

  4. Question 4: How affordable is it to live at Villa de Vida, and how do residents pay for it?

  5. Question 5: How does Villa de Vida handle crises or behavioral issues? Could my child be evicted if they struggle?

  6. Question 6: How can my child apply or get into Villa de Vida?

  7. What to do next.

Question 1: Will my adult child be safe and well-supported living at Villa de Vida?

Answer: Resident safety and support is a top priority at Villa de Vida and any apartment community. The community is staffed: there is a professional property management team on-site, including a property manager (with someone from management even living on the premises) as well as a Resident Services Coordinator and an Activities Coordinator from Villa de Vida, Inc.. This means there are trusted people around on a daily basis to respond to issues, and provide guidance or assistance to residents as needed.  We educate residents to call 911 when appropriate and not to allow strangers into their apartments or the lobby.  It is important to know that no specific security staff is available.

While Villa de Vida is not a supervised group home, it does create a “circle of support” around each resident, involving families, the Regional Center case managers, outside service providers, and Villa de Vida staff working together to help each individual succeed. Before a resident even moves in, the team invites the family and support network to identify any support needs or safety concerns and address them – “eviction prevention starts before move-in” by pro-actively filling any gaps in the resident’s support plan (for example, arranging independent living skills coaching, setting up routines, or practicing safety skills). An offer to assess each resident’s abilities and needs through virtual and/or in-person interviews and development of a personalized plan with recommendations is made.  This will help to ensure they can live as safely as possible with their independence in their apartment.

Your adult child will have their own apartment equipped with safety features (the building is new as of 2021, with modern accessibility and safety standards). Villa de Vida also emphasizes personal and home safety training – residents are offered classes and events on topics like kitchen safety, emergency preparedness (e.g. fire drills, earthquake drills), and how to recognize and avoid scams or abuse. They often collaborate with community resources like local police (Poway Emergency Corp and County Sheriff) to build safety awareness in a friendly way.

Importantly, if any concern arises – say your family member is struggling with something or there’s a behavioral issue – the Villa de Vida staff will intervene supportively, not punitively. They will reach out to the resident and potentially you (the family) with the resident’s consent and the Regional Center or offer referrals to relevant support professionals to address the issue before it becomes a crisis. For instance, if a resident has mental health or behavioral challenges, the staff will refer them to appropriate counselors or behavioral health services and follow-up, rather than rushing to eviction.

The goal is to provide a stable, long-term home where residents can grow, and this means creating a positive environment with plenty of support. Families who have placed their trust in Villa de Vida often report having “peace of mind” knowing that their son or daughter is in a community where they “are going to get what they need,”.

In summary, while your family member will be more independent at Villa de Vida, they will not be unsupported – their caring team and a community of watchful, friendly neighbors help keep everyone thriving.

Question 2: What level of independence is required for residents, and will there be help with daily tasks if needed?

Answer: Villa de Vida is designed for adults with developmental disabilities who are capable of living independently with appropriate supports. This typically means your adult family member should be able to handle basic self-care, follow house rules (like maintaining their apartment, respecting quiet hours, etc.), and safely be alone at times. It’s okay (and expected) that they might still need some help – for example, many residents receive Independent Living Services (ILS) or Supported Living Services (SLS) through outside agencies, which can provide coaching in cooking, cleaning, budgeting, or personal care. In fact, Villa de Vida partners with these external support providers rather than replacing them.

It’s important to know that Villa de Vida, Inc. is not a licensed care provider or Regional Center vendor – we do not have staff who come into the apartments to do caregiving, medical care, or administer medications on a daily basis. There are no site specific or contracted nurses or aides, and it’s not a group home with shift staff. Instead, residents bring in whatever in-home support they qualify for or choose. For instance, if your family member needs a few hours of personal assistance each day, you would arrange that through IHSS, ILS or an SLS agency, and those helpers can come into the apartment. 

Residents may use outside support services in their apartments to stay safely for extended periods of time, handle their medication (perhaps with reminders or a system in place), and manage personal hygiene. If they can’t do these things on their own, they can use outside help (like a visiting aide, natural supports or behavioral coach) to fill those gaps.

To summarize, residents don’t have to be totally independent superstars on day one – but they do need to handle the fundamentals of daily living with the help of their existing support network. Villa de Vida provides additional guidance like check-ins and classes to improve skills, so over time many residents grow more independent. It’s a balance: your family member will be living on their “own” and making their own choices, but they’ll also have a team checking in if they wish and connecting them to any help they need to live as independently as possible.

Question 3: What services and activities does Villa de Vida provide for the residents?

Answer: Villa de Vida provides a robust Resident Services Program that is free and optional for all residents, aimed at enriching their lives and filling any gaps in support.

Key services include:

Service Coordination – a Resident Services Coordinator helps link residents to community resources (like transportation assistance, doctors, or benefits programs) and works one-on-one with residents on goals such as employment, education, or health. For example, if a resident wants to get a job, Villa de Vida can assist with job search strategies, resume writing workshops, or connecting with vocational programs. If someone needs to manage their finances better, they might host a basic banking and budgeting seminar. They’ll even help residents navigate applying for benefits like SSI/SSDI or food assistance if needed.

Life Skills and Educational Workshops – Villa de Vida regularly offers classes on practical skills (cooking classes in a teaching kitchen, technology classes on using computers safely, health and wellness education, etc.). There are personal development sessions too, like leadership training, communication skills, or self-advocacy workshops, often in small groups or one-on-one as needed.

Social and Recreational Activities are a big part of the program. An Activities Coordinator plans a calendar of events such as exercise groups (yoga, dance, walking clubs), arts and crafts, gardening, music club, game nights, movie nights, holiday parties, and even outings in the community. The idea is to foster friendship and engagement –there’s something to do every day at Villa de Vida. These activities not only keep residents entertained but also help them build confidence and social skills in a natural setting.

Health and Wellness Support – while Villa de Vida doesn’t provide medical care directly, they do host preventative health activities like on-site flu shot clinics or health screenings in partnership with other organizations. They also bring in professionals for things like mental health groups (e.g., art therapy sessions led by certified art therapists) and sexual health education (Villa de Vida has collaborated in the past with a nonprofit called SEEDS to provide social-sexual education to residents, tailored for adults with developmental disabilities). All these offerings are optional; residents can choose what they want to attend based on their interests and needs.

In addition, Villa de Vida’s staff often (if requested or consented to) maintains communication with a resident’s outside support system. For instance, they coordinate with Regional Center case managers, day programs, or therapists to help ensure everyone is on the same page regarding the resident’s goals. There’s also a focus on community integration: residents are encouraged (and supported) to volunteer or join activities in the broader community, and Villa de Vida organizes group volunteer projects and voter education drives to help residents become active citizens.

Overall, Villa de Vida provides a holistic suite of supports – from skill-building to recreation to resource navigation – to empower your child to live a full, independent life. And importantly, these services are flexible and person-centered: if a particular resident has a unique goal or need, the team will try to adapt or find a resource to help. For example, when one resident wanted to start an art discussion group, staff helped him organize it, resulting in great participation from neighbors. In short, your adult family member will have many opportunities for growth and engagement at Villa de Vida, all tailored to adults with special needs.

Question 4: How affordable is it to live at Villa de Vida, and how do residents pay for it?

Answer: Villa de Vida Poway is affordable housing by design – it was created so that adults with disabilities, who often have very limited income, can live there long-term without financial strain. Every apartment in Villa de Vida Poway comes with a project-based Housing Choice Voucher from the County of San Diego. This voucher ensures that each resident pays only about 30% of their income toward rent, and federal/state/county housing funds cover the rest.

In practical terms, if the income is Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – which might be on the order of ~$1000/month – their rent would be roughly one-third of that (so, maybe a few hundred dollars per month). This makes it financially feasible for people who could never afford market-rate rent in San Diego. The specific rent amount is adjusted to each person’s income.

There are income eligibility requirements because of the affordable housing program: generally, a resident’s household income has to be below certain thresholds (for instance, at or under 50-60% of area median income, depending on the unit). But since most adults with developmental disabilities have very low incomes, this criterion is usually met easily.

The Housing Authority handles the applications and income verification to make sure everyone qualifies for the subsidy. Once living there, residents typically use their benefits (like SSI/SSDI earnings from work, etc.) to pay their portion of the rent. Villa de Vida’s staff can assist residents in setting up automatic rent payments or budgeting for rent to avoid any issues. They also help residents apply for any benefits they’re entitled to – e.g. food assistance, utility assistance – to increase financial stability.

Additionally, the community has offered financial literacy seminars, covering basics like banking, credit, and saving, to help residents manage their money wisely. The bottom line is that cost will not be a barrier for your special person: no one at Villa de Vida pays more than they can afford, and many essential programs and activities provided by Villa de Vida, Inc. come at no extra cost to residents.

As a parent, you do not have to pay for your child’s rent – the housing subsidy and their own income/benefits cover it. This affordability is a cornerstone of Villa de Vida’s model, recognizing that financial stability is key to housing stability. Do note that there may be minimal fees for optional extras, like a discounted internet or something, but core housing and services are covered.

In summary, Villa de Vida is a permanent, affordable home, structured so that an adult can live there indefinitely without financial pressure, even on a very limited income.

Question 5: How does Villa de Vida handle crises or behavioral issues? Could my child be evicted if they struggle?

Answer: Villa de Vida’s philosophy is to preserve housing stability – eviction is considered a last resort and we take proactive steps to avoid it. The Resident Services team is able to work closely with each resident’s “circle of support” (family, case managers, therapists, etc.) specifically on Eviction Prevention measures along with the property management. If a resident begins having difficulty (for example, not paying rent, experiencing a mental health episode, or violating a lease rule due to behavior), the response is intervention and support, not immediate removal.

The staff will meet with your family member (and often involve you and other supporters, with consent) to understand what’s going on. They might discover, for instance, that the resident lost their job and can’t budget well, in which case they’ll connect them to financial counseling or look into emergency rental assistance. Or, if a resident is causing disturbances due to a behavioral health issue, Villa de Vida will bring in or refer them to appropriate behavioral health care services, such as counseling, psychiatry, or behavior coaching, to address the root issue. These behavioral or mental health services are delivered by trained professionals, through partnerships with external providers, since Villa de Vida’s own staff are non-clinical. The key is that Villa de Vida doesn’t simply say “not our problem” – we actively facilitate getting the resident back on track, whether that means adjusting their support plan, increasing life-skills training, mediating conflicts with neighbors, and always working with property management etc.

There is a formal process in place: Villa de Vida staff meets weekly with property management, we check-in and use assessments to catch issues early. If a risk factor becomes serious, we can develop a transition plan for that resident – sort of a safety net plan that might involve temporarily increased support or, if absolutely necessary, a plan for moving the resident to a higher level of care with a plan. For example, if someone truly can’t handle independent living, they wouldn’t be dumped on the street; the team would work with Regional Center and other support services to find a more suitable placement. But such cases are uncommon because of all the preventative work. In fact, preparation may start before your family member even moves in: any potential gaps in their skillset or support system can be identified during the intake process, and you’ll get recommendations to strengthen those areas (like additional training or routines) ahead of time. Any future residents may reach out to our group and go over any questions or concerns in advance of moving in.  By the time the resident does move in, they can be set up for success, and the staff stays in close communication, especially during the early months of adjustment (if invited).

It’s also worth noting that the community environment itself helps a lot. Many residents feel more confident and calm living among peers – the sense of belonging and reduced feeling of “being different” can actually decrease anxiety and behavioral issues. And because there are group activities and structure available, residents have outlets for their energy and ways to build coping skills.

Families have indeed expressed that Villa de Vida gave them peace of mind about crises: one reason is that the County of San Diego provides rental vouchers and oversight, so there’s an additional layer ensuring no one “falls through the cracks” easily.

In short, Villa de Vida is committed to each resident’s long-term success. They don’t give up easily – they convene the support team to solve problems and only consider an eviction in extreme situations where every intervention has been exhausted or safety is at serious risk (which, with all the support in place, is rare).

The goal is for your child to have a permanent home for life, even as their needs change, and to adapt the supports around them accordingly. Knowing this, you can be reassured that Villa de Vida will treat your person’s challenges with compassion and problem-solving, not punishment.

Question 6: How can my child apply or get into Villa de Vida?

Answer: Villa de Vida Poway does not have any vacancies currently, and we have a waiting list. However, we plan to build a second community.

Our application process is structured through the local housing authority. To get a unit at Villa de Vida, your child would typically need to apply through the Housing Authority of the County of San Diego. The initial lease-up of the property (for its grand opening) was done via a waitlist that opened on February 26, 2020, managed by the County. Since then, whenever a unit becomes vacant, the property management pulls from the established waiting list.

In practical terms, this means your family member must be on the Housing Authority’s waitlist specifically for Villa de Vida.

Because all residents need to meet the low-income criteria and disability-related criteria, there is a screening process: Mercy Housing (the property manager) will verify income and basic tenant eligibility along with the County Housing Authority.

To improve the chances for your child, make sure they are connected with the San Diego Regional Center. While being a Regional Center client is not required by Villa de Vida, most residents are, and it helps to have that support.

However, Villa de Vida is just the beginning; it is our hope that our success will inspire others to build communities like ours. In the meantime, get your child’s documentation ready (proof of disability, income, etc.), and perhaps join Villa de Vida’s mailing list or social club to stay engaged.

The good news is that once your child is accepted and moves in, they can remain there as long as they wish, provided they abide by the basic lease terms. It’s not time-limited. So the application and wait might be lengthy, but the payoff is a secure home.

Also, keep advocating for more housing options: Villa de Vida is actively demonstrating the need, and with community support, more projects like this can become reality to serve others on the waitlist.

What to do next:

As a parent or caregiver, it’s wise to plan early.

If your child isn’t on the Villa de Vida waiting list yet, reach out to the Housing Authority of San Diego County or Villa de Vida to learn about application opportunities.

Meanwhile, engage with Villa de Vida’s community programs – attend our open social events or classes with your family member to familiarize them with the environment. Ensure your child is maximizing their independence skills now (perhaps through Independent Living Skills training via your Regional Center) so they’ll be ready when housing becomes available.

You can also join Villa de Vida’s mailing list or follow their updates to stay informed about any new developments or similar housing projects. Importantly, connect with other parents in the Villa de Vida community or advocacy groups – sharing experiences and advice can help you navigate the process.

Villa de Vida sees families as partners, so don’t hesitate to reach out to our team with questions or to discuss how to support your child’s goal of independent living.