What are Residential Services?
We believe that where you live should feel like home and that everyone deserves a safe, supportive place where they can be themselves, grow, and belong. Our residential services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are built around each person’s needs and preferences. Some individuals live with family, others in shared homes, and some in their own apartment in the community. Wherever someone lives, our goal is to provide the right level of support to help them feel confident and independent in their daily life. Support might include help with cooking, cleaning, personal care, staying healthy, or learning life skills. But it’s more than just routine, it’s about creating a meaningful life with choices, connection, and dignity. Our caring team works closely with each Member and their circle of support to make sure they feel respected, understood, and part of their community. Because at Ariel, residential services aren’t just about where you live—they’re about how you live.
The Ariel Difference
Our person-centered approach honors each individual’s unique story, strengths, and dreams. Unlike more rigid care models, our support levels continually adapt as each person’s needs change over time, always providing just the right amount: never more than needed, always as much as wanted. This flexibility ensures individuals can grow at their own pace while maintaining the highest level of independence and least amount of intervention possible.
Developing social and emotional skills alongside daily living support is a key focus for us, too. Ariel goes beyond just securing safe housing by offering opportunities to explore new possibilities that expand their vision of what all parts of their life can look like. Whether it’s learning new skills, pursuing personal goals, enhancing health and wellbeing, or meeting new friends, our wraparound supports ensure that home becomes a launching point for broader life experiences. Through this approach, adults don’t just receive at-home care, they feel at home in their own lives. They build confidence, form genuine relationships, and actively participate in their communities on their own terms.
Types of Residential Services
We offer a variety of living arrangements to meet the unique needs, preferences, and strengths of the individuals we serve—known as “Members” under Medicaid language. Each setting promotes safety, belonging, and the highest level of independence possible.
- Independent Community Living | Members live on their own or with a roommate of their choice, receiving staff support as needed. This option provides maximum independence with the security of knowing help is always available. It’s ideal for those ready to manage their daily lives on their own terms, with just the right balance of freedom and care.
- Family Caregiver Setting | Members live with a family member who receives professional guidance and support from Ariel’s team. This arrangement strengthens family bonds while ensuring access to expert resources and respite care. Families can focus on their relationships, knowing they have the backing and expertise they need.
- Host Home Setting | Members live with a trained, non-related caregiver or family supported by Ariel. This option offers the warmth of family life with built-in community connections and daily support. It’s ideal for those who thrive in close relationships and benefit from consistent, caring guidance.
- 3-Bed Personal Care Alternative (PCA) | Members share a home with up to two others, receiving 24/7 staff support. This option combines personal attention with community living, addressing medical, emotional, and daily needs while fostering friendships. It’s ideal for those who need consistent support but still want the social benefits of shared living.
Additional support available with Residential Services
Ariel is committed to supporting not only our Members, but also their families, caregivers, and Host Home Providers. In addition to residential placement, we offer a full spectrum of supportive services:
Where we provide Residential Services
Ariel provides residential services across Colorado, supported by our regional headquarters (HQs). Each area offers a variety of options based on the local availability of Host Homes, PCAs, and other providers. See below for a general idea of what’s available. While we serve many regions, specific services may vary depending on local capacity and licensing. For the most current availability or to explore what’s possible in your area, reach out to our team. We’re happy to help you find the right fit based on your location and needs.
| Regional HQ | Independent Living | Family Caregiver | Host Home | 3-Bed PCA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs | ✔️ | ✔️ | ||
| Delta | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| Denver Metro | ✔️ | ✔️ | ||
| Grand Junction | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Pueblo (New in 2025!) | ✔️ | ✔️ |
How to get started with Residential Services
In general, qualifying (and payment) for residential services is included under the Developmental Disability (DD) Waiver provided through Medicaid. Once approved for a DD Waiver Members have access for life, though their approved amount of funding may change based on the level of care (LOC) needed throughout their lifetime. For example, medical crises, behavioral changes or criminal involvement can be grounds for requesting change. Ariel is well-versed in navigating these changes from both an administrative and service provision perspective and will support Members and their families through transitions into higher or lower levels of care (LOCs).
For more information on how to apply for a DD Waiver and become eligible for services, you can find the Case Management Directory by county here: https://hcpf.colorado.gov/case-management-agency-directory
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you don’t find what you’re looking for below, feel free to ask your question via our Contact Form.
>> Unless otherwise noted, all images and names represent real Members but actual images and names have not been used for privacy reasons. <<
