I am caregiver to my 56 year old mom who as of a month ago, was officially diagnosed w/ early stage dementia/suspected Alzheimers disease. Mom hasn't been able to keep a job in years so did not qualify for disability, but did get SSI as of last month. She also recieves Link (food stamps) and has medicaid. I would now like to get her into some type of independent housing as she's been living with us for nearly a year and it's really taking a serious toll on my husband and I's relationship. We have two young children with another on the way and are in a tiny house with hardly any room for us, let alone her. My husband and her also don't get along whatsoever which puts serious strain on me daily. So, with mom in early stages and still able to manage herself (for now), I'm trying to find affordable independant housing options for her. I'm really scared though becuase $700/month won't cover even a studio apartment anywhere near where we live (we're in the suburbs of Chicago). I really wish SSI would account for higher cost of living areas :-( And... it seems the waiting lists for subsidised housing are years out. Is anyone aware of anything else I can be looking into? Really need help in finding a solution!
You might also check with local churches to see if their denomination has group homes in your area. Once you start calling these different groups you might find more options out there. Best of luck!
Call your local Area Agency on Aging. They usually have offices in the Council of Governments. Also call the Alzheimer's Association for ideas. There are resources that you should use that know answers to your question.