Valora Living Services

Guidance for Every Step

Helpful information for individuals, families, and the people who support them.

Funding & family guidance

Understanding Florida’s APD iBudget Waiver: A Guide for Families

A clear introduction to eligibility, approved services, and the questions families can bring to APD and their support coordinator.

Read articleClose article

Finding support for a loved one with a developmental disability often begins with unfamiliar terms, applications, and questions about funding. Understanding Florida’s iBudget Waiver can help families approach those decisions with greater confidence.

What Is the iBudget Waiver?

The iBudget Florida Waiver is a Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services program administered by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD). It provides eligible individuals with access to approved services based on their needs and goals.

Participants may receive support while living in their family home, their own home, or a community-based licensed residential setting. Learn about iBudget Florida through APD.

How Do Families Get Started?

The first step is applying for APD services. APD reviews the application and supporting documentation to determine eligibility.

Submitting an application is not the same as being enrolled in the waiver or receiving approval for a particular service. APD can explain the steps that apply to the individual’s situation.

Applications can be submitted online, by mail, or in person through a local APD office. Review APD’s application instructions.

What Services May Be Available?

Depending on eligibility, assessed needs, and authorization, services may include:

Residential habilitation.
Personal supports.
Behavioral and therapeutic services.
Transportation.
Supported employment.
Waiver support coordination.

Every person’s circumstances are different, so families should confirm which services are approved for their loved one. Explore APD’s iBudget services.

What Does a Support Coordinator Do?

Individuals enrolled in iBudget receive waiver support coordination. A support coordinator helps identify needs, develop a support plan, and connect the individual with appropriate services and resources. Learn about waiver support coordination.

Before selecting a residential provider, ask how the proposed services fit the individual’s plan and what costs or arrangements need to be discussed separately.

Questions Worth Asking

Bring a short list to your conversations with APD, your support coordinator, and potential providers:

What is the current status of the application or enrollment?
Which services have been authorized?
How can we compare providers?
What happens if support needs change?
Who should we contact with questions about funding?

Connect With Valora Living Services

If you are exploring residential options, contact Valora Living Services to discuss your questions, ask about available services, and learn about next steps. For eligibility and waiver authorization decisions, consult APD and your waiver support coordinator.

Contact Valora Living Services ↗

Residential living & family guidance

Choosing a Group Home in Florida: Questions That Help Families Find the Right Fit

Practical questions about staffing, daily life, communication, and costs to help families explore residential options.

Read articleClose article

Choosing a group home involves more than comparing locations or asking whether a bedroom is available. Families also need to understand how the home supports the individual’s daily needs, choices, relationships, and goals.

A thoughtful visit and a few specific questions can make the decision easier.

Confirm the Home’s Licensing Information

Ask for the home’s current licensing information and confirm that it applies to the location you are considering.

For APD residential options, families can use the agency’s provider search to explore licensed providers and settings. Licensing information is an important starting point; a personal visit helps you assess whether the home is a suitable match. Visit the APD Provider Search.

Understand Staffing and Support

Ask how staffing is organized throughout the day and overnight, and how the home responds when a resident needs additional assistance.

Useful questions include:

Who is available during each shift?
How are staffing levels matched to residents’ needs?
What training and background screening do staff receive?
How are emergencies and unexpected staffing changes handled?

Ask for explanations that relate to your loved one’s circumstances.

Include the Individual in the Visit

Whenever possible, involve the person who may live in the home. Their comfort, preferences, and reactions should help guide the decision.

Notice whether staff speak directly and respectfully to them. Look at bedrooms, shared spaces, accessibility, privacy, and opportunities to make everyday choices.

Ask About Daily Life

Request examples of what a typical day looks like. Discuss support with personal care, household tasks, appointments, recreation, and community participation.

Ask how activities are adapted to individual interests and abilities. A useful question is: “What would a typical week look like for my loved one?”

Discuss Goals and Communication

Ask how the home works with the individual, their authorized representatives, and their support coordinator.

Discuss how goals are reviewed, how changes in needs are addressed, and how updates are shared while respecting the resident’s privacy and choices. Also ask whom to contact with concerns.

Clarify Costs and Moving Arrangements

Before making a commitment, request a clear explanation of fees, payment sources, admission requirements, and any costs that need to be handled separately.

Understanding these arrangements early can help families plan a smoother transition.

Start a Conversation With Valora

Contact Valora Living Services to ask about residential services, discuss your loved one’s needs, and inquire about a visit. Bring your questions and share what matters most to the individual and your family.

Contact Valora Living Services ↗