Disability residential services provide homes in the community for adults with disabilities.
The residential services support disabled people to:
- live in a home that suits their needs
- be part of their local community
- enjoy everyday life
The services work with local authorities to plan housing and support for people who need residential services.
Residential services are provided by voluntary organisations, private providers and the HSE. The HSE funds the services.
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) regulates disability residential services. They make sure that people receive high-quality care and support.
Not all areas offer the same services. Contact the disability services manager at your local Integrated Healthcare Area (IHA) office. They can tell you about the residential services available in your area.
You may also need to apply to your local housing authority to join the housing list. The disability services manager can explain how to do this.
Who can get residential services
A person may be eligible for adult disability residential services if they are age 18 or older and have:
- a significant intellectual disability
- a complex physical disability
- a sensory disability - such as being deaf, hard of hearing, blind or visually impaired
- autism with an intellectual disability or complex behavioural issues
The person is also not able to:
- live independently in the community, even with support
- continue living at home
How to apply for residential services
The disability services manager at your local IHA office can tell you about the residential supports in your area and explain how to apply.
You may apply for a residential service at any time, even if you do not need a service straight away.
There is high demand for residential services in most areas. Applications are prioritised based on a person's level of need, not on when they applied.
Contact your local IHA office
Check your health region for your local IHA office.