What are the responsibilities and job description for the Temporary Shared Living Provider Needed in Springfield, West Springfield, Southwick, or Agawam position at Pathlight?
Please note: While this ad is about one individual in particular, we also have other individuals looking for Shared Living Care Providers/Respite Providers throughout Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire Counties.
If Shared Living sounds like something you want to learn more about in general, please click on the link found at the bottom of this posting to fill out an Interest Form and a Pathlight staff member will be in contact with you.
About Pathlight
Pathlight (formerly known as The Association For Community Living) has been supporting and empowering individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities (and their families) in Western Massachusetts since 1952.
About Being a Care Provider
For those that aren't aware, Shared Living is a service model in which an individual with developmental disabilities moves in with a person, couple, or family. The Care Providers (or Foster Parents if the person supported is under 18) receive a tax-free stipend and the knowledge they are making a positive difference in the lives of others, while the individuals can live and grow in a home-based situation and experience the everyday activities of family and community life. A WIN-WIN SCENARIO!
Respite Providers (what we are looking for in this situation) offer short-term relief for primary Care Providers/Foster Parents. The length of time for respite care varies depending on the need- it could be anything from just a day to a few weeks.
Care Provider Benefits
Spread the word- Pathlight has a new Shared Living RESPITE opportunity in Hampden County!
For those that aren't aware, Shared Living is a service model in which an individual with developmental disabilities moves in with a person, couple, or family. The Care Providers receive a tax-free stipend and the knowledge they are making a positive difference in the lives of others, while the individuals can live and grow in a home-based situation and experience the everyday activities of family and community life. A WIN-WIN SCENARIO!
Respite Providers (what we are looking for in this situation) offer short-term relief for primary Care Providers/Foster Parents. The length of time for respite care varies depending on the need- it could be anything from just a day to a few weeks. The time frame is agreed upon in advance by all parties involved.
For the sake of anonymity, we'll call the woman who is currently looking for respite "T." What kind of household would be a good fit for her? Check out the Q&A section below to find out!
IS CARE GIVING FOR YOU?
Common attributes of Care Providers consist of an ability to understand the individual's viewpoint; set boundaries; provide structure; be open, honest, and stable; function easily as part of a team; be involved in their community; be flexible as everyone's needs and abilities change with personal growth. Successful care providers are highly motivated to make a difference in the lives of others.
Who We Serve
The people we are privileged to serve are of all ages and abilities. They may have extensive physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities, require medical involvement, or they may need minimal assistance.
How To Apply
If interested, call 413-731-4548 OR visit https://pathlightgroup.org/programs-and-services/shared-living/ and fill out a Shared Living Interest form!
If Shared Living sounds like something you want to learn more about in general, please click on the link found at the bottom of this posting to fill out an Interest Form and a Pathlight staff member will be in contact with you.
About Pathlight
Pathlight (formerly known as The Association For Community Living) has been supporting and empowering individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities (and their families) in Western Massachusetts since 1952.
About Being a Care Provider
For those that aren't aware, Shared Living is a service model in which an individual with developmental disabilities moves in with a person, couple, or family. The Care Providers (or Foster Parents if the person supported is under 18) receive a tax-free stipend and the knowledge they are making a positive difference in the lives of others, while the individuals can live and grow in a home-based situation and experience the everyday activities of family and community life. A WIN-WIN SCENARIO!
Respite Providers (what we are looking for in this situation) offer short-term relief for primary Care Providers/Foster Parents. The length of time for respite care varies depending on the need- it could be anything from just a day to a few weeks.
Care Provider Benefits
- TAX-FREE Stipend
- Responsive case management
- Support from clinical staff and consultants if needed
- 24-hour back-up in the event of an emergency
- Satisfaction of making the difference in someone's life
Spread the word- Pathlight has a new Shared Living RESPITE opportunity in Hampden County!
For those that aren't aware, Shared Living is a service model in which an individual with developmental disabilities moves in with a person, couple, or family. The Care Providers receive a tax-free stipend and the knowledge they are making a positive difference in the lives of others, while the individuals can live and grow in a home-based situation and experience the everyday activities of family and community life. A WIN-WIN SCENARIO!
Respite Providers (what we are looking for in this situation) offer short-term relief for primary Care Providers/Foster Parents. The length of time for respite care varies depending on the need- it could be anything from just a day to a few weeks. The time frame is agreed upon in advance by all parties involved.
For the sake of anonymity, we'll call the woman who is currently looking for respite "T." What kind of household would be a good fit for her? Check out the Q&A section below to find out!
- WHERE IS T. LOOKING TO LIVE?:T's day program - located in Springfield- currently provides transportation for her. To increase the likelihood this is a service they can continue to offer while she is in respite, we are looking for houses in towns that fall within her current commute route. These would include: Southwick, West Springfield, Springfield, and Agawam.
- OUR SPARE BEDROOM IS ON THE 2ND WILL THAT BE AN ISSUE?: Yes, unfortunately. T. uses a wheelchair, so her Respite Provider's house will need to have a first floor bedroom available and be wheelchair accessible.
- I HAVE CHILDREN. DOES T. CARE ABOUT THAT?: No she does not; however, please note that T. is non-ambulatory and does require a good amount of personal care support. It is fine if a home has children in it, as long as T. is given the appropriate amount of attention and care she needs.
- WHAT ABOUT PETS?: T. would not do well with loud animals in the home, or ones that jump. If they don't have those qualities/tendencies, it would be fine!
- CAN I WORK WHILE BEING A RESPITE PROVIDER?: Yes, we have Respite Providers that have full or part time jobs. T. attends a community based day program 5 days a week, so it is not necessary for her Respite Provider to be home all the time.
- DO I NEED TO HELP WITH TRANSPORTATION?: All Respite Providers should be willing and able to help with transportation needs when necessary; however, T.'s day program DOES provide rides to and from the site when she is with her regular Care Provider. Again, if the respite house is located in Southwick, West Springfield, Springfield, or Agawam they should be able to continue to drive T. to her program.
- HOW MUCH SUPPORT WITH PERSONAL CARE DOES T. REQUIRE?: T. will need full support with personal care/her Activities of Daily Living (showering, dressing, brushing teeth, etc.).
- CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT HER PERSONALITY? T. is sweet and funny! She is a social butterfly who really enjoys being around others.
- WHAT DOES SHE LIKE TO DO FOR FUN? T. loves social interactions, so she enjoys things like shopping and going to restaurants- essentially anything that gets her out into the community and engaging with others!
IS CARE GIVING FOR YOU?
Common attributes of Care Providers consist of an ability to understand the individual's viewpoint; set boundaries; provide structure; be open, honest, and stable; function easily as part of a team; be involved in their community; be flexible as everyone's needs and abilities change with personal growth. Successful care providers are highly motivated to make a difference in the lives of others.
Who We Serve
The people we are privileged to serve are of all ages and abilities. They may have extensive physical disabilities, intellectual disabilities, require medical involvement, or they may need minimal assistance.
How To Apply
If interested, call 413-731-4548 OR visit https://pathlightgroup.org/programs-and-services/shared-living/ and fill out a Shared Living Interest form!