Supported Living
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 individual's 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 Model
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 lives with and shares a home with a paid caregiver.
As you can imagine, one of the keys to the success of the companion approach deals more with philosophy and perception rather than anything else. We truly approach the companion model with the idea that it is a shared home/shared life. Companion homes must be managed very differently than the traditional shift approach. Respect of each home's routines and rituals is paramount. Each person supported and their companion must feel that it is their home, and not a place of business.
For those people supported whose needs can be met in a companion approach, we have found the following benefits:
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 lives with and shares a home with a paid caregiver.
As you can imagine, one of the keys to the success of the companion approach deals more with philosophy and perception rather than anything else. We truly approach the companion model with the idea that it is a shared home/shared life. Companion homes must be managed very differently than the traditional shift approach. Respect of each home's routines and rituals is paramount. Each person supported and their companion must feel that it is their home, and not a place of business.
For those people supported whose needs can be met in a companion 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
Eric K, an individual supported in our supported living program, was recently featured in the August newsletter of the Arc of United States-Missouri Chapter (page 3). The article documents Eric and his family's journey to find a place he can call home. Check it out HERE!
For more information about our residential services and the companion approach, please email us at info@rhd-mo.org
