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Admissions

Independent Living in Coconut Creek

Since 1985, the Foundation for Independent Living (FIL) has walked beside families who carry both pride and worry for the future of a loved one with diverse abilities. We understand the questions that keep you up at night: Will they be safe? Will they have friends? Will they feel at home and be seen for who they are? At FIL, residents live in their own apartments at Cypress Shores in Coconut Creek, close to shops, restaurants, parks, and cultural activities, so daily life feels familiar, comfortable, and connected to the community.

Here, independence means real, everyday moments: choosing what to eat, caring for a home, planning meals and shopping, managing a budget, getting to work or volunteer opportunities, speaking up at appointments, staying active and well, and building friendships that last. Gentle coaching and support are there whenever they are needed, and step back when they are not. For families, this balance brings relief and hope; for residents, it brings confidence, purpose, and a true sense of belonging.

FIL helps adults live independently in an integrated community.

What you get:

  • Private apartments at Cypress Shores (www.cypressshoresapts.com)
  • Life-skills coaching and financial guidance
  • Health and wellness support (Med Room, Fitness Center)
  • Vocational training, volunteering, and community events
  • Transportation to FIL programs and, when available, to work
  • Optional Healthy Café à la carte meal plan

The Foundation for Independent Living is NOT Appropriate for All Individuals

FIL is not appropriate for individuals who have a psychiatric or serious emotional disturbance that impacts behavior and/or have serious medical conditions that require daily or weekly monitoring or intervention. FIL is an integrated community-based program, and while we do have staff who live on site, we do not offer 24-hour supervision. Individual safety and dignity are FIL’s priorities, but residents will be working and living in the community. Our residents are allowed to make decisions that affect all aspects of their lives, all of which creates a level of risk inherent to this philosophy and approach.

Please note that FIL is private pay only. We do not accept insurance, Medicaid, etc.

A Home with All the Amenities

Our 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath

shown for illustration purposes

Please note that FIL is private pay only.
We do not accept insurance, Medicaid, etc.

Monthly Room & Board

  • Bullet PointChoice of a one- or two-bedroom apartment
  • Access to Healthy Café meal plan (additional cost)
  • Access to FIL’s fitness center
  • Participation in FIL’s daily enrichment programs
  • Transportation to FIL activities
  • Transportation to work where feasible
  • Employment readiness, support & coaching
  • 24/7 staff support (not supervision)
  • Group outings
  • Trips to nearby cultural events
  •  FIL sponsored events
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What is the Admissions Process?

Your first step is a simple conversation. Schedule an initial inquiry by phone, Zoom, or in person with our Onboarding Team. We will walk you through our programs and daily life at FIL, and take time to learn about your loved one—their interests, strengths, routines, and any supports they may need. If it feels like a good fit, the next step is a personalized tour of FIL and Cypress Shores to meet the team and experience the community firsthand.

This is the opportunity for the prospective resident and family to really get to know FIL. They will meet with staff and current residents, as well as see our programs in action and tour an apartment at Cypress Shores. It is recommended that the prospective resident attend the tour to allow for a further assessment on compatibility by a FIL employee. If unable to attend, a second tour should be scheduled with the family and the prospective resident.

Prior to moving forward to a Trial Stay, the family, guardian and individual will receive a copy of the application for completion. All supplementary documentation must be provided prior to moving onto the next step. The prospective resident’s application and supporting documents will be reviewed by the Leadership and Medical Teams of FIL.

Some prospective residents find it helpful to meet a few of the current residents prior to their stay. This is not mandatory, but we do offer it to everyone.

The prospective resident stays at FIL for one or two nights to fully experience the program before making a final decision. During the prospective residents time at FIL, they will stay in an apartment at Cypress Shores (with either staff or a Resident Ambassador), partake in our Healthy Café meal program and participate in all of the amazing activities and programs going on. At the completion of the Trial Stay, both the resident and their family, as well as FIL, will discuss how the stay went and if there is a desire to move forward.

FIL, the prospective resident and the family will meet (typically via Zoom) to discuss how the stay went and if FIL is a fit. This is where the final decision is made for someone to join FIL.

Once the decision has been finalized that someone is going to join FIL’s community, a series of Transition Meetings will take place in order to ensure success from day one. These can include any or all of the following:

  • Admissions meeting
  • Meet and Greet with the Residents RSP
  • Meet with FIL’s Employment Specialist (if the individual is interested in employment)
  • Financial meeting – Typically this is with the family

This is it! The big day. The resident and his or her family will move the resident’s belongings in and FIL staff will be there to assist every step of the way.

Start the Process – Apply Now

Does in independent life sound like the right fit for you? Click the Apply Now button to get started!

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