Adult Independent Living Services

Adulthood brings new opportunities for growth, independence, and meaningful community involvement. Canaan Cares provides comprehensive, person-centered support for adults with developmental disabilities, helping each individual build the skills, confidence, and stability needed to live a fulfilling life.

Our adult services follow the Individual Program Plan (IPP) and are fully tailored to the individual’s abilities, preferences, and long-term goals. Whether an adult is preparing to live independently, exploring employment, or seeking community engagement, we offer structured support delivered with respect, dignity, and real empowerment.

Independent Living Skills (ILS) & Supported Living Services (SLS)

Building Confidence, Safety, and Independence

Independent Living Skills and Supported Living Services help adults learn and maintain the skills necessary to live as independently as possible in their homes and communities. Support ranges from foundational life skills to advanced independence training.

Core ILS and SLS Training Areas Include:

Home Skills

  • Cleaning, laundry, household organization
  • Cooking simple to advanced meals
  • Meal planning and safe food storage
  • Managing appliances and home safety

Financial Skills

  • Understanding money and bank accounts
  • Tracking expenses
  • Budgeting and saving
  • Paying bills on time

Personal Care Skills

  • Hygiene routines
  • Dressing appropriately
  • Managing personal items

Health & Safety

  • Medication reminders
  • Recognizing health concerns
  • Attending medical appointments
  • Emergency preparedness

ILS and SLS teach adults how to do tasks independently, not simply doing the task for them. The goal is sustainable life skills.

Transportation (If Included in the IPP)

Transportation Based on Identified Need

Transportation is only available when the Regional Center includes it in the IPP as a documented need.

Examples of when transportation may be approved:

  • An adult wants to work at a grocery store but cannot navigate public transit safely
  • A person attends a day program not accessible by bus
  • An individual requires support accessing medical or community appointments

Canaan Cares provides transportation supports only as defined and approved in the IPP.

A Customized Approach for Every Adult

No two adults are alike. We take time to understand:

  • Daily routines
  • Strengths and interests
  • Support needs
  • Communication preferences
  • Cultural or family considerations
  • Long-term goals
  • Barriers to independence

This allows us to design supports that promote growth, stability, and self-direction.

Community Activities & Social Participation

Building Connections and Real-World Skills

Community involvement is essential for emotional well-being, confidence, and social development. Canaan Cares encourages adults to participate in real-world experiences that promote personal growth.

Activities may include:

  • Social events and recreation
  • Fitness or wellness programs
  • Library activities, art classes, or local workshops
  • Group outings and meet-ups
  • Volunteer opportunities
  • Community events and festivals
  • Shopping and errands
  • Learning how to interact successfully with others

Through these experiences, adults build communication skills, social awareness, independence, and confidence in navigating their communities.

We personalize our services to meet your situation. We serve our clients respectfully, efficiently, and compassionately. We foster independence, work to preserve dignity, and strive to improve the quality of life for you or your loved one.

Canaan Cares proudly serves California Regional Centers throughout San Diego, Poway, Oceanside, Escondido, Carlsbad, El Cajon, Vista, Solana Beach, Encinitas, La Mesa, and Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, and Riverside Counties.

Adult Developmental Services in California | Independent Living, Employment, Community Inclusion | Canaan Cares

Personal Goal Planning

Person-Centered, Strength-Based Planning

Every adult’s IPP begins with personal goals. These goals reflect what the individual wants for their life—not what others want for them.

Examples of Adult Goals:

  • Live independently for the first time
  • Improve cooking skills
  • Learn money management
  • Establish a consistent hygiene routine
  • Get a job or start volunteering
  • Join community groups or classes
  • Build friendships and social connections
  • Improve safety awareness
  • Gain confidence navigating public transportation

Canaan Cares helps adults identify meaningful goals and take measurable steps toward achieving them.

Daily Living Supports

Hands-On Help for Everyday Routines

Some adults require daily support to complete essential routines safely and consistently.

Daily Living Supports may include:

  • Assistance with bathing, grooming, or hygiene routines
  • Dressing for work or community activities
  • Structuring morning or evening routines
  • Meal prep and healthy eating habits
  • Household organization and cleaning
  • Medication reminders
  • Practicing communication or coping skills
  • Developing healthy lifestyle habits

Daily supports help adults maintain stability, safety, and well-being.

We believe that every person deserves the opportunity to grow, engage meaningfully with their community, and live a life that reflects their hopes and goals. Families deserve support, understanding, and a partner they can trust. We are committed to being that partner.

There are many specialty services offered by Canaan Cares. Click here to see all of them.

Contact Us!

When you fill out this form, you can expect to receive a call and email from our professional staff. We will reach out to you and answer your questions.

FAQ: Adult Services

Yes. Every service is tailored to the individual’s IPP goals and personal needs.

Absolutely. Independent Living Skills (ILS) programs help adults build the skills needed for safe, confident independence.

Supported employment provides tools for job readiness, placement, and on-the-job coaching.
No. Transportation must be included in the IPP based on an identified need.
Yes — adults lead the goal-setting process through person-centered planning.