Moving a loved one into a group home is one of the most significant decisions a family will ever make and for families of medically complex individuals, that decision starts long before move-in day. Before anyone can move into a group home like Kinbridge Living at Agape’s Way Healthcare Services, they must first be approved by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD). We know first hand, this process can feel overwhelming, especially for families juggling medical appointments, therapies, and daily caregiving. That’s why we walk alongside families and support coordinators every step of the way. From that very first APD application to the day your loved one settles into their new home.
What Is APD, and Why Does Approval Come First?
The Agency for Persons with Disabilities is the state entity responsible for determining eligibility for services — including residential placement — for individuals with developmental disabilities in Florida. Before a resident can move into a 24/7 residential group home with skilled nursing, therapies, and respite care like Kinbridge Living, APD must first confirm that the individual meets the state’s definition of a developmental disability and is eligible for services.
You can find the official APD application here: apd.myflorida.com/customers/application
Who Qualifies? Understanding the Definition of a Developmental Disability
Under Florida law (Section 393.063(12), Florida Statutes), a developmental disability is one that:
- Occurs prior to age 18, and
- Constitutes a substantial handicap that can reasonably be expected to continue indefinitely
APD serves individuals with the following qualifying conditions:
- Intellectual disabilities (Full Scale IQ of 70 or below)
- Severe forms of autism
- Spina bifida cystica or myelomeningocele
- Cerebral palsy
- Prader-Willi syndrome
- Down syndrome
- Phelan-McDermid syndrome
- Children ages 3–5 who are at high risk for a developmental disability
If your loved one falls into one of these categories, they may be eligible for APD services, including the residential supports that make a home like Kinbridge Living possible.
How We Support Families Through the APD Process
We understand that APD’s process involves paperwork, documentation, and waiting. Families are often navigating this while also managing complex medical needs at home. Here’s how our team supports you:
- Answering questions before you apply. Our team can help you understand whether your loved one’s diagnosis and needs align with APD’s eligibility criteria, so you know what to expect before you begin.
- Guiding you through documentation. We help families understand what medical records, diagnostic evaluations, and supporting documents APD typically requests, so applications move forward without unnecessary delays.
- Coordinating with your support coordinator. For families who already have a support coordinator, our admissions team works directly with them to align on timelines, waiver status, and next steps. Reducing back-and-forth and keeping everyone informed.
- Preparing for transition, not just approval. Approval is just one milestone. While the APD process moves forward, we begin preparing for the clinical, medical, and personal needs your loved one will have once they arrive — because our residents are medically complex, and continuity of care matters from day one.
- Being honest about fit. Because Kinbridge Living is built to care for high-acuity residents including those who are tracheostomy-dependent, ventilator-dependent, or G-tube fed. We talk openly with families and coordinators about whether our home is the right clinical fit, so no family is left guessing.
A Note for Support Coordinators
Support coordinators are essential partners in this process, and we built our admissions process with you in mind. We know you’re balancing multiple families, deadlines, and waiver requirements at once. Our team is available to:
- Provide timely responses on admissions inquiries and bed availability
- Share clear documentation of our clinical capabilities so you can confidently match clients to our home
- Communicate proactively about acuity level, insurance acceptance (including Medicaid/CMS, Wellcare, Humana, Sunshine Health, Florida Blue, and Simply Healthcare), and current openings
- Support you through every stage — from initial referral to move-in day
We’re Here Before, During, and After Approval
Extending God’s love to people through compassion and care means walking with families from the very first phone call. That is not just after a family arrives at our door. We are here before, during, and after your APD waiver approval. If you’re just beginning the APD process, or you’re a support coordinator looking for a residential partner who can meet the needs of medically complex individuals, we invite you to reach out.
Contact us: Phone: (321) 888-2366 Email: referrals@agapesway.com
