Residential Options

We offer five residential programs, all of which provide homes where adults with disabilities can find security and support, relate to others who accept them, and grow as a person.

OPTION 1: Living independently in an apartment

Individual Support Services: For adults with disabilities who can live in an apartment on their own, with a roommate, with a spouse or with children, the Individual Support Services program provides support and an emergency on-call system. Services are based on individual needs and preferences and may include transportation to medical appointments; nursing; assistance with grocery shopping; and socialization. The case managers also work one-to-one teaching personal safety, money management, menu planning and other skills.

Please see our Residential Options within the sections below, or contact us at 978-685-9471 or residential@fidelityhhs.org for any additional information.

To qualify for the Individual Support Services program, there are two prerequisites:

Your family member has a letter of eligibility from the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS). For information on becoming DDS eligible, go to the Application for DDS Eligibility.

Or contact the Fidelity House CRC Family Support Center at 978-685-9471 or familysupportcenter@fidelityhhs.org.

Your family member has a referral from the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) specifically for the Individual Support Services Program. For more information, contact your DDS Service Coordinator.

OPTION 2: Living with a single person, couple, or family

Shared Living: This program matches adults with disabilities with a single person, couple or family who can provide room, board and transportation. The home care provider receives a stipend to cover costs and works closely with a Fidelity House CRC case manager. Fidelity House CRC provides safety training, nursing support and access to community resources.

To qualify for Shared Living, there are two prerequisites:

Your family member has a letter of eligibility from the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS). For information on becoming DDS eligible, go to the Application for DDS Eligibility.

Or contact the Fidelity House CRC Family Support Center at 978-685-9471 or familysupportcenter@fidelityhhs.org.

Your family member has a referral from the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) specifically for the Shared Living Program. For more information, contact your DDS Service Coordinator.

OPTION 3: Living in a group home with other adults who have intellectual and developmental disabilities

Community Residences: Fidelity House CRC provides opportunities for small group-living in 26 community residences located throughout Lawrence, Methuen, Haverhill, Georgetown and Andover. Homes are staffed 24 hours a day and provide a safe and supportive environment where each individual is encouraged to be as independent as possible. Our residential programs are staffed with a ratio of 1 nurse to every 9 individuals and our medical homes with 1 nurse to every 3 individuals.   We provide each individual with personalized and comprehensive care. Our nurses get to know each individual, oversee all medical treatments and make sure that daily care is tailored to each individual’s health needs. Berkeley Place is one of our residences that is now an option for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who require 24 x 7 support. 

To qualify for Community Residences, there are two prerequisites:

Your family member has a letter of eligibility from the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS). For information on becoming DDS eligible, go to the Application for DDS Eligibility.

Or contact the Fidelity House CRC Family Support Center at 978-685-9471 or familysupportcenter@fidelityhhs.org.

Your family member has a referral from the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) or the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission specifically for a Community Residence.

For more information on a referral from DDS, contact your DDS Service Coordinator.

For more information on a referral from the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, call (617) 204-3851 or 1-800-245-6543 (Voice/TDD) for Independent Living, Turning 22, Housing and Supported Living Programs.

OPTION 4: Living in a home equipped to care for people with acquired brain injuries

ABI Homes: Fidelity House CRC provides community residences for individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) in response to the rising incidence of people with brain injuries placed in nursing homes. Our team supports individuals in making the transition from a nursing facility to a regular house in a regular neighborhood.

To learn more about MassHealth, click here https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-masshealth-the-health-safety-net-or-the-childrens-medical-security-plan

Fidelity House CRC Day Habilitation staff can assist with the MassHealth application process. For more information, contact dayservices@fidelityhhs.org or call us at 978-374-9122.

Criteria for an ABI “Res” Waiver:

  • Be living in a nursing facility or in a chronic or rehabilitation hospital for at least 90 days
  • Meet clinical eligibility requirements
  • Have experienced an acquired brain injury at age 22 or older. An acquired brain injury can result from a stroke, brain trauma, infection of the brain (such as encephalitis), brain tumor, or anoxia (lack of oxygen)
  • Need ABI waiver services
  • Be able to be safely served in the community within the terms of the ABI waivers and
  • Meet the financial requirements to qualify for MassHealth Standard in the community.

For additional information on how to apply for the Massachusetts Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Waiver visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/acquired-brain-injury-abi-waivers

Or you may contact the UMass ABI Waiver Unit at 866-281-5602 or by email ABIinfo@umassmed.edu.

OPTION 5: Living with a member of your own family or a foster family

For more information about living with a member of your own family or a foster family, please visit our Adult Foster Care page.

36Residential Options