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Shared Living is an alternative to a 24-hour group home for adults receiving services through the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS). Shared Living providers welcome an individual into their stable and caring home environment while providing an appropriate level of care and receiving an income to do so. Providers include single parents, retirees, widows/widowers, families – anyone with room in their heart and their home to share all that life has to offer.
In many cases, the individual supported through Shared Living becomes a permanent addition to a forever family. In other cases, where the individual has a goal to live independently, the provider may serve as a roommate and role model who helps the individual learn to achieve goals necessary for independent living.
What Does a Shared Living Provider Do?
Shared Living providers are responsible for supervising and supporting the physical and emotional wellness of the individuals they support, as well as assisting with their activities of daily living. This includes providing a clean and safe home environment, preparing healthy meals, and ensuring clean laundry. Additionally, providers assist with medication administration, schedule and accompany individuals to healthcare appointments, and support other personal goals outlined in the individual service plan (ISP), such as employment, budgeting, meal preparation, and community integration. Reliable transportation is a must.
As part of the care team, Shared Living providers collaborate with the Shared Living Program Director, case care specialists, nurses, clinical services providers, and community outreach providers to ensure the overall well-being of the individuals they support. Access to MHA support is available at all hours.
Effective communication skills are essential for Shared Living providers, and they are required to participate in training sessions covering topics such as fire drills, human rights, CPR, and home safety. Additionally, the Shared Living Program Director and case care specialist from MHA offer support and guidance during monthly visits, and individuals receive personal support from an MHA nurse.
How Are Shared Living Providers Compensated?
Providers receive a stipend over $35,000 per year. Actual compensation varies somewhat, according to the individual needs of the person supported. Providers are paid monthly by MHA but are not employees of MHA. Compensation is nontaxable and includes paid vacation/respite time averaging two weeks annually.
Is My Home Right for Shared Living?
Your home must be clean, safe, in good repair and spacious enough to add another family member. It can be a single family, multi-family, condo or apartment home. You can own it or rent. A dedicated private space, typically a bedroom, is required for the person supported. Your home does not need to be handicapped accessible, although that could be a bonus.
Do I have what it takes to be a Shared Living provider?
If you can actively embrace a person with developmental disabilities as part of your own family, that’s a good start. You must become that person’s friend, teacher and advocate. A good match is critical, and helping to make that match is among the many services provided by MHA.
Perhaps you’re a mother who needs to earn a living but also needs to be at home. Maybe you’re an empty nester who longs for family life or a retiree who misses your role caring for others. Shared Living enables you to earn an income as you make a difference.
Get In Touch
What's Next?
Being a Shared Living provider takes a long-term commitment and is not for everyone. But if you’re that special kind of person, it comes with rewards you can’t find anywhere else. MHA is actively looking for Shared Living providers in Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden County.
Please complete the form below to contact us. We utilize secure transfer and encryption for all information submitted in this form however for your personal safety, please do not submit any insurance account numbers, social security numbers, or other highly sensitive information.
Real Life. Real Support.