Family Model Provider

Description

What is a Family Model Provider?

A Family Model Provider is a person who makes a difference in the life of an adult with an intellectual or developmental disability by opening his/her home and providing the person with the support needed to thrive. With the help of our specialized team of professionals, Family Model Providers become trusted caregivers, friends and advocates for persons supported. This special relationship between the Family Model Provider and the person supported is the foundation of the program’s success. Family Model Providers are one of our greatest resources. They enable us to ensure persons supported are happy, health and safe in an environment where they can enjoy life to the fullest extent possible.

What is the role of a Family Model Provider?

Family Model Providers provide supports that are specifically tailored to meet the needs of the people who live with them. The actual level of support, supervision and active assistance varies, depending on the needs of each person. Some people are more independent and need less support than others. During our matching process, the needs and preferences of both you, the Family Model Provider, and the person supported are considered to help find the very best match.

Who can become a Family Model Provider?

Our Family Model Providers represent a wide range of backgrounds and skill levels. Family Model Providers may be married or single, men or women and represent a wide range of ethnicities and religions.

Do Family Model Providers earn money for services provided in their home?

As a Family Model Provider, you’ll have the opportunity to earn money at home by supporting an adult with an intellectual or developmental disability. Pay is based on the needs of the person(s) supported. Family Model Provider income is nontaxable income. As part of our matching process, we will work with you to determine the level of needs you are best prepared to support.

What do I have to do to be a Family Model Provider?

The first step is to apply online. A team member from our office will contact you once an application has been completed. We will explain in detail and answer any questions about becoming a Family Model Provider.

What kinds of care will I be responsible for as a Family Model Provider?

In general, Family Model Providers are responsible for basic home care and related responsibilities. This may include providing nutritious meals, transportation to appointments and recreational activities, helping the person supported participate in community activities, and supervision based on the needs of the person supported. Family Model Providers are also required to maintain records and documentation regarding the services and supports being provided. As part of the process for preparing to welcome someone into your home, our staff will work with you to make sure you have all of the information and materials you need to be successful.

What kinds of disabilities do adults in the Family Model program have?

The people who receive services in a Family Model Provider’s home have an intellectual and/or developmental disability. Some may be very independent and able to go out into the community on their own and even have a job, while others will need more support. Our staff will make sure that you are matched with a person whose needs fit your lifestyle.

Are Family Model Providers matched with adults of the same or opposite gender?

The matching process is designed to ensure that you and the person who comes to live with you are comfortable so that you can live together as family would and develop a meaningful relationship. Ultimately, you will have the final say over who you choose to welcome into your home.

Who do I call if I have an issue or need help?

Each home is assigned a Program Manager who is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day success of the person supported. The Program Manager ensures that the person’s needs are being met in the home and that his/her plan is being followed. The Program Manager will visit the person supported and the Family Model Provider in the home regularly. The Program Manager is available 24/7 to respond to any urgent matters that arise outside of office hours. In addition, there is a nurse on call 24/7 to assist with any medical/health needs that may occur outside of office hours.

Will the person supported need constant supervision from their Family Model Provider?

While some of the persons supported do need constant support, others do not. Our team will ensure that you are matched with a person whose level of need fits best with your lifestyle.

How long is the commitment to have a person supported live with me as their Family Model Provider?

Our goal, through our matching process, is to ensure that you and the person who comes to live with you know each other well and will be able to live together comfortably. Some of our most successful placements have lasted for decades. Others have lasted a few years and then either the Family Model Provider or the person’s needs changed and the placement ended. In many cases, a lifelong friendship endures.

How many people can a Family Model Provider (or their family) have living with them in the home at one time?

The number of people one Family Model Provider can accommodate differs by state and based on the needs of the people involved. Generally, Family Model Providers can serve up to 3 people at a time and each person must have his or her own bedroom.

Are Family Model Providers able to take a vacation? What if I need to go out of town or have a family emergency?

We know that everyone needs a vacation from time to time and that sometimes life isn’t always predictable. Your Program Manager will have a close relationship with your family so that your relief support needs can be anticipated and planned for whenever possible. Your Program Manager may arrange for the person supported to stay with another family for a short time or other arrangements can be made. In case of emergency or crisis situations, our staff will be there to make the necessary arrangements.

What do people do during the day while their Family Model Provider is at work or taking care of other responsibilities?

Most people who choose to live with a Family Model Provider family will also have community participation activities or a job during the day. However, employment or other day activities are not required, and some people may wish to stay home during the day. Our team will work with you to be sure that the needs, preferences and choices of the person who comes to live with you can be supported successfully.

Can I have a job and still be a Family Model Provider?

Yes, several of our Family Model Providers have part time jobs during the week when the person supported is involved with community activities or employment.

What is the Family Model Provider responsible for buying for the person who lives with them?

Generally, a Family Model Provider is responsible for providing nutritious meals and snacks, basic personal care and hygiene supplies such as shampoo, soap and toothpaste, clothing, as well as bedding and furnishings for the bedroom. Family Model Providers receive a room and board to help with the cost of care. Family Model Providers are also responsible for providing transportation to and from appointments and activities, utilities and basic telephone and cable costs.

Does the Family Model Provider manage the individual’s money and personal property?

If Support Solutions is the Representative Payee, as the Family Model Provider you will assist with managing the person’s money and inventory. Your Program Manager will work with your family in setting up the appropriate financial procedures and accounts.

Requirements

Are you qualified to become a Family Based Provider?

You may be surprised to know that persons providing these services come from all walks of life. The process involves education and training but your eligibility begins with you meeting the initial requirements. A Family Based Service Provider:

• Can own your home or rent
• Must be at least 18 to adopt or 21 to become a foster parent
• Must reside in the state where the person supported lives
• Must be able to meet the financial and emotional needs of your own family
• Can work full-time
• Must be a resident of the U.S.

How do I become a Family Based Services Provider?

The first step is to apply on our website. After completing the application, a Support Solutions team member will contact you and will work with you to complete the approval process. Upon approval to provide services, Support Solutions will assign a team member who will work to make the match for you and a person supported. Where possible, meet and greet sessions will be held to give you and the family an opportunity to connect with the person supported.

Family-Based Providers are independent contractors and compensation is offered on a tax free basis. Support Solutions is CARF accredited, offers competitive reimbursement rates, quality training and a system of support which includes nursing and behavior supports. Make the decision to partner with Support Solutions today and enjoy the opportunity to provide a permanent home to a person seeking a loving family.