When families begin exploring NJ DDD services for a loved one, two terms come up again and again: Individual Supports and Community-Based Supports. They sound similar. They’re often discussed together. But they serve different purposes — and understanding the difference is essential for building the right care plan.
This article explains both services clearly, shows you how they complement each other, and helps you think through which one — or which combination — is right for your family member.
Individual Supports — In the Home, Focused on Independence
Individual Supports is a service delivered primarily in the home or immediate living environment. The goal is to help the individual develop, maintain, and improve their ability to take care of themselves — their daily living skills, personal health, and independence.
What does Individual Supports look like day-to-day?
- Personal Care: Assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, and hygiene — building independence rather than dependency
- Medication Management: Reminders, supervision, and documentation of medications
- Meal Preparation: Teaching cooking skills, supporting nutrition choices
- Household Skills: Laundry, cleaning, organization — skills that support independent living
- Behavioral Support: Following behavior support plans in the home environment
- Transportation Assistance: Getting to appointments and community activities
🏠 Simply put: Individual Supports is about helping someone thrive within their home — developing the skills and habits that make independent living possible.
Community-Based Supports — Out in the World, Building Connections
Community-Based Supports takes the focus outside the home. This service is about helping individuals engage with their community — building social skills, making friends, participating in activities, and being an active member of the broader New Jersey community.
What does Community-Based Supports look like?
- Community Outings: Trips to parks, museums, shopping centers, restaurants, sporting events
- Social Skills Development: Learning how to initiate conversations, navigate social situations, make and maintain friendships
- Recreational Activities: Sports, art classes, music programs, fitness activities
- Vocational Exploration: Learning about work environments, volunteering, exploring employment interests
- Community Integration: Using public transportation, visiting libraries, banking, and other everyday civic participation
🌍 Simply put: Community-Based Supports is about belonging — helping someone build a rich, connected life as part of their community, not separate from it.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Individual Supports | Community-Based Supports |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Home / immediate environment | Community settings |
| Primary goal | Daily living independence | Social inclusion & engagement |
| Focus | Personal care & home skills | Social skills & community life |
| Funded by | NJ DDD Supports Program Waiver | NJ DDD Supports Program Waiver |
Do Families Have to Choose One or the Other?
No — and in fact, most families benefit most from a combination of both services. A typical week might include Individual Supports in the mornings (personal care, breakfast routine, household tasks) and Community-Based Supports in the afternoons (a park visit, a social group, or a community program).
The right balance depends entirely on the individual’s goals, their current skill level, their social interests, and the number of funded hours in their Individual Service Plan. This is worked out collaboratively between the family, the individual, their Support Coordinator, and their provider.
GoldenGreys Provides Both Services
GoldenGreys Community Services is an approved provider for both Individual Supports and Community-Based Supports across Middlesex, Union, and Somerset Counties. Our team works closely with families and Support Coordinators to build a weekly schedule that serves both independence and belonging — because every person deserves both.