Shared Home/Shared Life

"I have been completely pleased. What a burden lifted off our shoulders... It seems like she's happy and that's all we want."

-Denise, Parent

"This is my friend, this is my buddy, he is like a brother to me."

-Samuel, Live-in Companion

"It's hard not to develop a friendship or caring relationship for somebody you see everyday. I consider Terrence a friend. Even if I wasn't a companion, I would still be friends with Terrence."

-Mike, Live-in Companion

RHD-Missouri believes that each person's support structure should be individually designed, and be a direct reflection of a person's needs and desired lifestyle. Although the companion approach is often a preferred model of support for RHD-Missouri, some individuals needs may require a different support approach. When determining the support system for a consumer, RHD-Missouri assesses each person's needs individually and adapts the supports as necessary.

THE COMPANION APPROACH

The companion approach utilizes a shared home/shared life approach to provide supports to people with developmental disabilities. Within the companion approach, a person with a disability shares their home with a paid caregiver. (Individuals supported by RHD-Missouri are listed on the lease or mortgage and have ultimate "control" of the home).

THE HOST FAMILY APPROACH

Much like the companion approach, the host family model also utilizes a shared home/shared life approach to provide supports to people with developmental disabilities. Within the host family approach, paid caregivers share their home with a person with a disability. (Control and responsibility of the home belongs to the caregiver and control is shared).

Regardless of the support approach, the key to success in a shared home/shared life approach deals more with philosophy and perception rather than anything else. We truly approach the companion and host family model with the idea that it is a shared home and shared life. They must be managed differently than traditional shift approaches. Respect of each home's routines and rituals is paramount. Each person supported and their companion or host family must feel that it is their home, and not a place of business.

For those people supported whose needs can be met in a shared home/shared life approach, we have found the following benefits:

It is a very cost effective model
Lower Turn-over
Promotes real sense of home and control
Promotes development of trusting, respectful relationships
Provides increased accountability and consistency of supports
There is a greater commitment to a "life that makes sense"

Check out our promotional video about the benefits of the companion approach!!!! CLICK HERE