Central Aroostook Association is known for its tagline: “Eight Programs, One Association.” One of its eight programs is Shared Living, which is the least restrictive home supports option offered in the state of Maine for individuals with intellectual disability and autistic disorders. Shared Living allows an individual to live in a family-style setting and become a member of the household, family and community, while also enhancing independent-living skills.
Shared Living is not only an opportunity for adults with disabilities, but also for those who wish to open their home and welcome an adult looking for this kind of home support service. Shared Living providers are supported by Maine Department of Health and Human Services and are paid for their services through MaineCare. Providers are self-employed independent contractors. Allen Deeves, Shared Living coordinator at Central Aroostook Association, ensures a bilateral match through historical and observational information.
Deeves explains, “The Shared Living model closely resembles the true goal of integrating individuals into the fabric of family, work and society. It has proven itself to be successful, cost-effective and result-driven.”
There are several benefits to the Shared Living program: providers offer family-based, consistent, stable support systems in a home environment. In-home skills training to promote independence are also provided, in addition to community inclusion activities. Each individual has a support team to assist with and implement a plan of success that meet an individual’s needs and goals. Throughout this process, the individual eventually becomes a part of the provider’s family and community while also continuing to pursue personal interests and other relationships with family and friends.
The first criterion to becoming a Shared Living provider is to be a person or family with the desire to accept an individual into their home. Providers must also pass background checks and complete training that is provided by Central Aroostook Association and includes direct support professional (DSP) certification, CPR/first aid, and medical administration certification.
While the Shared Living provider role is rewarding, it does assume a number of responsibilities, which include daily care of the individual, providing a clean, healthy living environment and actively participating as a member of the individual’s support and planning team. Providers are also responsible for transportation to an individual’s appointments and activities, including religious affiliations, physical activities, shopping and socializing. Additionally, providers need to maintain daily documentation of progress toward goals and objectives identified in the person’s plan.
Central Aroostook Association is proud to offer this housing and support option for individuals and also this opportunity for potential providers. Applications are currently being accepted for Shared Living providers, and Central Aroostook Association welcomes inquiries for this prospect.
For more information about the Shared Living program or becoming a Shared Living provider, contact Allen Deeves at sharedliving1@ainop.com or call 554-4544. Interested parties are also welcome to visit www.centralaroostookassociation.com and fill out the questionnaire on the Shared Living page, which is found under the “services” tab.
