Independent Living Skills Training

One of the first things we learned when we started serving clients is that while they are bright and capable, they may not have had the opportunity to learn the skills they need to live independently. Not only do many teens and young adults we work with lack basic competency in areas such as shopping, cooking, cleaning, reordering prescriptions, organizing their homes — they frequently lack higher level competencies such as budgeting and paying bills, making doctor appointments, and advocating for themselves in a wide variety of circumstances. We also know that the older the client is, that the more resistance s/he has to learning these skills from their parents!

In order to fill this need, we first use our proprietary ILS assessments to gain an idea of areas of weakness — filled out both by the client, and by someone who knows him/her well such as a parent. Next, together we develop reasonable goals to fill in the missing pieces — what areas the client agrees to focus on for remediation and training. We then assign one or more team members to work with the individual, either in the home, the community, or here in our office, and put our case manager in touch with the family and the client to provide the communication piece. Using proprietary curriculum we developed and continue to update, areas we teach skills in include:

• Shopping, meal planning, cooking
• Cleaning and household organization
• Morning rising, getting ready for work or school
• Time management, sleep hygiene, and calendaring (Skype or in office)
• Budgeting, bill paying, financial management (Skype or in office)
• Developing social engagement and activities
• Exercise and physical activites
• Transportation skills (including referrals to specialized driving instruction)

We run ILS classes, as well as provide in-home services by arrangement. We can provide services in small increments (2-6 hours a week) or as a larger engagement to provide in-depth assistance of up to 20 hours a week. For more information, please contact us.

Looking for more? Check out our Resources page for intake and registration forms, podcasts, meditation exercises, and much more!