Independent living skills checklist
Score each skill 1 to 4 with your family member, occupational therapist, or service coordinator. 1 = not there yet · 4 = fully independent.
Taking medications on time
A supportive roommate is a natural daily reminder: not staff, just someone who lives there.
Recognizing an emergency and calling 911
Harder to practice alone. A roommate can run drills and be there when it counts.
Cooking 3 safe, simple meals
You cook together. The skill builds in-home, not in a classroom.
Doing laundry start to finish
An easy shared routine. It builds fast when someone does it next to you.
Managing a debit card and a monthly budget
SLS can fund financial coaching alongside life-sharing.
Using public transit or rideshare regularly
Regional Center ILS funds travel training on real routes.
Communicating needs clearly
Daily practice with a roommate: the lowest-stakes way to build this.
Personal hygiene without prompts
Natural accountability from someone who genuinely cares.
Knowing personal info: address, phone, emergency contacts
Can live on a card in their wallet; roommate knows it too.
Saying "I need help" when something is wrong
Much easier when someone you trust lives down the hall.
What your scores mean
Mostly 3s and 4s: Ready for supported independent living with light help. A supportive roommate plus occasional SLS check-ins is often the right fit.
Mix of 2s and 3s: Life-sharing could be the right bridge. A roommate helps fill the gaps at home, every day.
Several 1s and 2s: Start with ILS skill-building through your Regional Center, then revisit in 6 to 12 months. The skills come. The timeline just varies.
Most parents score a mix. That's normal, and it's not a reason to wait.
Exploring life-sharing in California?
Homies matches adults with IDD to compatible supportive roommates, funded through Regional Center SLS. Most families pay nothing out of pocket.
See how life-sharing works →