PROVIDER REFERRAL FORM

What is Shared Living? 

Shared living is similar to foster care.  Shared living is for adults with an intellectual, developmental disabilities and/or autism. The individual becomes part of the fabric of the shared living provider’s family, home and community.  The shared living provider supports the client with daily living skills, personal care, organization and scheduling of appointments, transportation, community inclusion, interpersonal skill development and a whole host of other supports. Many of the people living in a shared living home are attending community support programs and/or are employed. Clients families are encouraged to remain actively involved and provide support and guidance for their family member and the shared living provider. In some cases, it is appropriate for a family member to become the shared living provider. Shared living providers are caring, compassionate people who open their hearts and homes to support others. This service is specifically tailored to the clients needs.

What Are a Few Of The Benefits To Supporting People In a Shared Living Arrangement?  

Shared living arrangements closely replicate a private home experience. SL providers not only provide a residence, but offer support, friendship, companionship and opportunities for growth. Providers will receive the satisfaction of making a difference in another person’s life, training as well as a generous tax-free, monthly stipend.

What Types of SL Providers Do We Recruit?

It all depends on what the person with a disability is looking for their support needs and the needs of the SL provider. People’s ideal living situations vary – ranging from traditional families with children to single housemate arrangements. It’s all in the match!

Do I Need to Own a House to be a SL Provider?

No. As long as your home meets environmental requirements determined through an Assistance Plus home assessment and is deemed a good place for the person to live, you can either rent or own your home. 

What kind of insurance do I need to carry to be a shared living provider?

Shared living Provider shall maintain homeowner’s or renter’s insurance on the premises where the Consumer is residing with liability coverage covering the Provider against claims for bodily injury, death and property damage to others of not less than $250,000.

Shared Living Provider shall maintain automobile liability insurance with minimum liability limits of $100,000.00/$300,000 per person for any vehicle used to transport the Consumer.

Shared Living Provider must procure Workers’ Compensation coverage or a waiver for themselves and must provide Workers’ Compensation coverage for any persons (such as respite workers) who are employed by the Provider in connection with the Provider’s services under this Contract. Proof of insurance shall be provided to the Agency upon commencement of this Contract, when renewed, annually and upon request.

Do I have to be a Assistance Plus Employee to be a SL Provider?

No. The SL Provider is not an employee of Assistance Plus; they are an independent contractor.

How Long of a Commitment Does Assistance Plus Require?

Assistance Plus expects a minimum of a one year commitment; however, most arrangements last much longer.

Is There a Screening Process? 

Potential SL providers go through a rigorous screening process. Criminal background checks are conducted, State background checks are run, professional and personal references are checked, work history is analyzed and a thorough set of interviews and assessments are conducted to ensure we select only the very best candidates.

Will I be Supervised?

SL providers receive thorough supervision and support after the initial move-in and later monthly supervision and home visits by the coordinator. The SL coordinator will sometimes make unannounced visits to the home to check on the individual and provider. When needed, the frequency of visits and support increases until the home is stable.

What Are Some of the SL Providers’ Responsibilities?

Responsibilities are all inclusive in most cases with support from the agency as delineated in the written contract.

Examples include:

• serving meals
• ensuring a safe and comfortable home environment
• administering medication
• implementing and documenting individual support plan goals
• providing transportation to medical appointments
• arranging for respite care

What Type Of Training Would The Provider Receive by or Through Assistance Plus?

Providers are responsible for their training. If Assistance Plus has an open spot for a required training, we would offer that to a provider. Training will include but will not be limited to: Direct Support Professional, Certified Residential Medication Aide (CRMA), CPR/First Aid, and MANDT.

How Do I Get Paid?

SL Provider is paid via a tax-free stipend bi-weekly after services are rendered.

Are There Medical And Dental Benefits Associated With Being An SL Provider?

No, there are no medical or dental benefits associated with the role.

How Do I Learn More and/or Become a SL Provider?

If you are willing to share your life and home with a person with an intellectual, developmental disability and/or autism, please contact Assistance Plus’s shared living coordinator through our website at https://assistanceplus.com/contact/