People with a passion for helping others often pursue caregiver-focused careers. Many enter the medical field and some work for non-profits to make the world a better place to live. If taking care of others is a passion for you, we’d like to introduce you to the role of Host Home Provider.
Individuals challenged with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) typically need verbal and/or physical assistance meeting their daily needs. But in a nurturing environment, they can thrive. Evergreen Service Providers works with these Individuals and their families to find the perfect safe, stable, loving setting within a Host Home, where growth of mind, body, and spirit will be fostered.
That’s where you come in. Host Home Providers (HHPs) are paid to open their homes to offer primary residential care and support to an adult with IDD. Along with residential services they provide meals, transportation to and from appointments and activities, behavioral support in cooperation with an interdisciplinary team, and assist with daily living skills and medication management. HHPs also get training to help them along the way and maintain specific documentation about the Individual with whom they are sharing their home.
Does this sound like something that could be for you? What does it take?
If you’re interested in being a Host Home Provider you likely have a big heart – just what we’re looking for in someone who’ll provide companionship and a hand up to help a fellow human being live with dignity, pride and success.
Our Host Home Providers come from various walks of life and previous careers, and become HHPs for many reasons. Some grew up in homes where their parents were HHPs and they had the opportunity to get to know Persons with IDD. Others crossed paths with IDD Individuals and learned about residential programs through other types of work, from friends, or simply by chance. You may be an empty nester, have an interest in replacing your current job with one as a caregiver, or simply find it rewarding to help others.
Potential Host Home Providers must complete an application and a process that includes a criminal background check. Both they and their homes must meet certain requirements. Training is provided for working with IDD Individuals including training in First Aid and CPR.
Beyond the basics of being a Host Home Provider, other questions likely come to mind.
• How do you determine who is a good match for my home?
• If we have pets can you match us with someone who does well with animals?
• Do you consider Host Homes with children or only those without?
• Is the Individual allowed to have guests in my home?
• What kind of ongoing support can I expect?
• What if I need to be out of town?
• How much is the pay for a Home Host Provider and where do the funds come from?
The answers to these and many other questions can be found on our FAQs page, along with more details about being a Host Home Provider.
Evergreen Service Providers is always seeking new Host Home Providers to place an Individual in just the right home. Our IDD Individuals may sometimes have special needs beyond help with their daily activities, including having pets on which they depend for emotional support and therefore need a Host Home that is happy to accept an animal or animals. Some may have some physical limitations or be working to modify behavioral issues. At all times, our focus is on finding just the right fit – for the provider and the Individual.
People who open their homes to these amazing Individuals experience a richness in their lives that is immeasurable. Imagine the joy of seeing another Individual thrive and knowing that you are an integral part of their success! Host Home Providers who work with Evergreen Service Providers can rest assured that we will walk with you each step of the journey. Contact us for more information or to start the process.
