Community Living Support (CLS)

What it is

A real home — not a facility — with trained staff on site day and night, built specifically for adults whose medical or behavioral needs go beyond what most providers are equipped to handle. Our CLS program gives people with complex needs a safe, dignified place to live while building the skills and confidence to take charge of their own daily lives.

Who it's for

• Adults with significant medical, behavioral, or developmental needs — including the ECF CHOICES Group 6 population
• People transitioning out of a restrictive or institutional setting into community-based living
• People whose complexity has led to placement breakdowns with other providers
• Families looking for a residential option where safety isn't a compromise

What's included

• 24/7 on-site staffing by Complex Care–trained Direct Support Professionals
• Total Care Protocols for high-acuity medical and behavioral needs
• Individualized fading plans — structured, measurable steps toward greater independence
• Person-Centered Support Plan (PCSP) coordination with the full care team
• Medication management with biometric verification (E-MAR)
• Daily living support: meals, hygiene, household tasks, and personal routines
• Community access and transportation to activities, appointments, and outings
• Ongoing clinical oversight and behavioral support

What this supports

• A stable, safe home — not a temporary placement
• Real progress toward independence, tracked and measured
• Dignity and choice in daily routines, meals, and personal space
• Long-term community living with clinical backup that doesn't go away

How to get started

1. 1

   Reach out. Call us at 615-502-0525 or use the referral form. Tell us about the person and what kind of support they need.

2. 2

   Free eligibility check. We walk you through ECF CHOICES eligibility and help decide whether this service is the right fit — no cost, no obligation.

3. 3

   Assessment and planning. If it's a match, we work with the person, their family, and the care team to complete intake and build a Person-Centered Support Plan around their goals.

4. 4

   30-Day Transition. Every new member moves through our structured 30-day transition — in-home shadowing, intensive stabilization during the first 72 hours, and continuous clinical check-ins through the full first month.

5. 5

   Ongoing support. Plans are reviewed regularly so support grows with the person. We respond to changes — we don't wait for a crisis.

Frequently asked questions

What makes DHS different from other CLS providers?

We specialize in high-acuity care — the cases other providers find too complex. Our team is trained through the DHS Complex Care Academy, our homes use smart-safety technology, and we operate on a zero-restraint philosophy. We don't just supervise — we build independence.

What does a typical day look like?

Every day is guided by the person's own plan and choices. Some people attend community day programs or employment. Others focus on skill-building at home. Meals, activities, and routines are shaped around what matters to each person — not a one-size-fits-all schedule.

Can a family visit anytime?

Yes. Our homes are real homes, and families are always welcome.

What happens if a person's needs change?

We adjust. Plans are reviewed regularly, and our clinical team monitors for changes so support scales up or down before a crisis — not after.

We respond within one business day.