Residential
Long-term homes where a person lives with support from live-in or round-the-clock staff. On HavenMatch this includes sponsored residential placements, where a person lives in a provider’s own family home, often with one or two other residents.
Often a good fit for: adults who want a family-style home, close one-to-one relationships and a quieter setting.
Group Home
Shared community homes where a small group of residents (often four to six) live together with trained staff on shifts. Residents usually have their own or shared bedrooms and share common spaces.
Often a good fit for: adults with intellectual, developmental or mental health support needs who enjoy living with peers and benefit from consistent staffing and routine.
Respite Care
Short-term stays, from a night to a few weeks, that give family caregivers a planned break, or cover an emergency, while their loved one is supported in a safe setting.
Often a good fit for: families who provide care at home and need occasional relief, or who want to try out a provider before a long-term move.
Assisted Living
Residential settings that provide meals, housekeeping and help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing and medications. In Virginia, assisted living facilities are licensed by the Department of Social Services.
Often a good fit for: older adults, or adults with physical or memory-related needs, who don’t need full-time nursing care but shouldn’t live alone.
Side by side
| Residential | Group Home | Respite Care | Assisted Living | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Length of stay | Long-term | Long-term | Short-term | Long-term |
| Typical size | 1–3 residents | About 4–6 residents | Varies | Small homes to large communities |
| Staffing | Live-in caregiver or family | Staff on shifts | Varies by provider | Staff on shifts |
| Often serves | Adults with disabilities | Adults with disabilities or mental health needs | Anyone whose caregiver needs a break | Older adults and adults with daily-living needs |
These are typical patterns, not rules. Individual homes vary, so check each listing’s details and ask the provider.
How to choose
- Start with needs. What help does the person need every day, and overnight? Which medical, behavioral or mobility needs must staff be able to meet?
- Then preferences. A family-style home or living with peers? Close to family, work or a day program?
- Then funding. Which programs is the person eligible for, and which homes accept them? See Paying for care in Virginia.
- Then visit. Use our tour checklist.
Ready to look at homes?
Search HavenMatch by city, ZIP code, care type, funding and support needs, then save the homes you like to compare them side by side.