The first step toward becoming a Daymark Living resident is simply starting a conversation with our team.

Families can call Daymark Living at (972) 525-2727 or complete the online contact form. From there, the admissions process includes determining eligibility, touring the campus, completing an application, submitting requested records, participating in an admission interview and receiving a placement decision.

If accepted, the Daymark team will work with the resident and family to schedule an intake meeting and move-in date.

LEARN MORE

Daymark Living may be a good fit for an adult with an intellectual or developmental disability who wants greater independence while continuing to benefit from structure, support, community and guidance.

Every person has different abilities, goals and support needs. Some future residents may already be comfortable with many daily living skills, while others may need prompting and guidance as they develop them.

Families don't have to determine readiness alone. Visiting Daymark, meeting the team and discussing your loved one's current abilities and future goals can help you determine whether Daymark may be the right next step.

Readiness for independent living looks different for every adult with an intellectual or developmental disability. A person does not need to be able to do everything independently before beginning to explore residential living.

Families can look at areas such as personal care, communication, decision-making, household responsibilities, social skills, safety awareness and the ability to follow a daily routine. Just as important are a person's interest in greater independence, willingness to learn and desire to connect with others.

At Daymark Living, independence is something residents continue building over time with support, practice and real-world experiences.

LEARN MORE

Independent living for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities does not necessarily mean living without support. It means having opportunities to make choices, develop practical life skills, build relationships, participate in the community and take greater responsibility for everyday life.

At Daymark Living, residents are encouraged to be as independent as possible while having coaching, prompting, guidance and support available based on their needs.

The goal is not to do everything alone. The goal is to build the skills and confidence needed to live a meaningful and increasingly independent life.

No. Independence looks different for every person.

At Daymark Living, residents are encouraged to do as much as they can for themselves while receiving appropriate prompting, coaching and support when needed. Everyday experiences become opportunities to practice skills, make decisions and build confidence.

For some residents, independence may mean learning to prepare a meal or manage a schedule. For others, it might mean getting a job, navigating relationships, managing money or becoming more confident advocating for themselves.

Yes. Daymark Living provides scheduled transportation for residents to local employers as well as transportation for planned Daymark-sponsored independent and group outings.

Individualized transportation may also be arranged for an additional cost.

Licensed nursing personnel are available on-site to support residents with routine health needs, illness and medication administration when needed.

Daymark also works with medical providers in the local community and is located near Baylor Scott & White Medical Center for emergency medical care.

Families should discuss any specific medical needs with the Daymark team during the admissions process so the team can determine whether those needs can be appropriately supported.

Daymark's nursing staff can monitor certain medical conditions and follow physician orders for prescribed medication administration and ongoing care.

Because medical needs vary significantly from person to person, families should discuss their loved one's specific diagnosis, medications and care requirements with the admissions team before residency.

Yes. Daymark Living has awake staff on campus 24 hours a day, including overnight.

Staff members do not live inside the cottages as house parents. During waking hours, resident coaches work with residents to develop independence, pursue personal interests, build relationships and navigate everyday challenges. Overnight staff are available on campus to provide support when needed.

Yes. Daymark Living recognizes that friendships and healthy relationships are meaningful parts of adult life.

The Daymark team helps residents learn about appropriate social interactions, communication and healthy relationships. Relationships are permitted as long as they remain appropriate and do not interfere with the resident experience.

Yes. Daymark Living residents are welcome to visit home.

Maintaining meaningful relationships with family remains an important part of residents' lives even as they develop greater independence and build their own routines, friendships and community at Daymark.

Daymark Living offers programs and classes designed to help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities build practical skills for everyday life, greater independence and personal growth.

Program areas include:

• Career preparation and development

• Communication and relationships

• Community involvement

• Culinary skills

• Health and wellness

• Household management

• Leadership and self-advocacy

• Money management

• Technology

Residents have opportunities to learn skills in structured classes and then apply many of those skills through daily routines, employment, volunteering, outings and community experiences.

Residents have opportunities to build real-world skills that can help them become more confident and independent in adulthood.

Depending on individual goals and abilities, this may include cooking and food safety, household responsibilities, personal hygiene, money management, communication, healthy relationships, technology, career preparation, health and wellness, decision-making, self-advocacy and community participation.

Independent living skills are developed over time through instruction, coaching, repetition and everyday practice.

Yes. Meaningful employment, career development and community involvement are important parts of life at Daymark, although employment cannot be guaranteed.

Daymark offers career-focused classes that help residents identify strengths and interests and develop skills related to finding and maintaining employment.

The team also works with the Texas Workforce Commission and community partners to help connect residents with vocational and volunteer opportunities that align with their interests, abilities and goals.

On-site programming covers a range of topics, including personal finance, health and nutrition, practical mathematics, technology, vocational exploration, social and life skills development, and much more. Daymark Living’s programming is based on a semester schedule and is tailored to meet our residents’ needs and personal goals.

LEARN MORE

Appropriate social interactions are taught and a major focus of our coaching staff. Daymark believes that healthy relationships are a wonderful part of life and are permitted as long as they are appropriate and do not detract from the resident experience.

Daymark Living residents are welcome to visit home whenever they would like.

Yes. Families are encouraged to visit their loved ones at Daymark Living.

Moving toward greater independence does not mean leaving family relationships behind. Daymark encourages residents to build their own adult lives while remaining connected to the people who are important to them.

Daymark Living is located at 818 Cantrell Street in Waxahachie, Texas, approximately 30 minutes south of Dallas.

Waxahachie offers residents a welcoming community with a historic downtown, local businesses, employment opportunities and places to participate in everyday community life while remaining close to the resources of the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Daymark welcomes families from Texas and across the country who are exploring supportive residential living for an adult with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Waxahachie gives Daymark residents the opportunity to experience community life in a welcoming, growing Texas town while remaining close to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

Residents have opportunities to participate in local activities, employment, volunteering, shopping, dining and community outings—allowing them to practice real-world skills and build connections beyond the Daymark campus.

Daymark Living's monthly pricing varies based on the individual and their circumstances. Families should contact the Daymark team for current pricing and availability.

Monthly pricing includes:

• Rent

• Utilities

• Three meals each day

• On-site programs and activities

• Fitness center access

• Scheduled transportation

Additional fees may apply. Because pricing, availability and special opportunities can change, families should speak directly with the Daymark admissions team for current information.Item description

Yes. Daymark offers opportunities that can help adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families experience the community before making a long-term residential decision.

Depending on current availability and programming, these may include short-term or semester stays and other Daymark programs.

These experiences can give participants opportunities to meet residents and staff, experience Daymark routines and programs, practice living away from home and begin building confidence in a new environment.

Contact the Daymark team to learn which current options may be appropriate for your loved one.

You don't have to be ready for a move to start planning for the future.

Families can begin by learning about independent living, identifying skills their loved one may want to strengthen, visiting residential communities and talking together about long-term goals.

Daymark welcomes families who are simply beginning the conversation. Connecting with the team, asking questions or visiting the campus can help you better understand the possibilities without requiring an immediate decision.

Families interested in Daymark Living can start by talking with the Daymark team, asking questions and scheduling a campus tour.

A visit gives prospective residents and families an opportunity to see the cottages and community spaces, learn more about programs and support, meet members of the team and get a better sense of everyday life at Daymark.

Call (972) 525-2727 or complete the online contact form to start the conversation.

You don't have to know exactly what's next. Sometimes the best first step is simply learning what's possible.