Shared Living is based on a mutual relationship where both parties embark on a journey to share life together. The approach is designed to enable people with support needs to experience a real community life; an alternative to the traditional residential settings service model.
Role of the Administrative Agency
- Recruitment and training of Shared Living Providers
- Facilitating the âMatchâ
- Follow-up visits to ensure living arrangement is satisfactory
- Oversight of supports, as outlined in the ISP
- Monitoring compliance with licensing and regulations
- Response to crisis
Benefits of Shared Living
- Promotes a real sense of home and controlâAccess to individualized, person-centered supports in a home-like environment.
- Promotes development of trusting, respectful, relationshipsâOpportunities to develop meaningful relationships, access to typical community resources, and be active members of their communities.
- Increased accountability and consistency of supportsâControl, consistency, and stability of supports that are provided and who provides them.
- Greater commitment to a âLife that Makes SenseââLiving in a private home where there is one person providing the majority of supports. Eliminates the need for multiple shifts and multiple staff.
Who can benefit from Shared Living?
Shared Living works for more people than it doesnât. Shared living has proven successful for people with varying physical, intellectual, and behavioral challenges.
The “Match”
The success of shared living rests on the thoughtful and careful process of introducing people to each other and assuring the relationship works.
- The matching process takes time and is rooted in Person Centered Planning.
- Consideration is given to: Individual preferences, support needs, lifestyle, cultural values, religious beliefs, involvement of friends and family, and compatibility.
