BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS, CREATING FAMILIES

SHARED LIVING PROGRAM

ABOUT SHARED LIVING

The Shared Living Program is a unique opportunity for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities to live and thrive in a family environment. The individual is included in decisions about decorating their bedroom and the living space to ensure they are real members of the household. Individuals are also encouraged to participate in hobbies, spiritual/religious affiliations,
and develop friendships.

At VIABILITY, we understand the difference between a house and a home. While we ensure a potential match is safe and clean, we place a high priority on ensuring the home provider is caring, supportive, respectful, and eager to include the incoming individuals in all aspects of their home life. This is the cornerstone of the Shared Living Program.

WHO CAN BE A CAREGIVER

Caregivers are patrons in the community and are referred to VIABILITY by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS).

CONSIDERATION FACTORS WHEN PAIRING

VIABILITY believes that successful placement is based on finding the right match.

Geographic location preferred by individual
Availability of Home Provider in relation to needs of individual
Mobility needs of individual
Gender preferred by both individual and potential home provider
Smoking vs. Non-smoking
Drinking vs. Non-drinking
Ethnic/cultural background and language
Religion
Diet needs and preferences
Personality
Presence of pets
Presence of children
Health status of individual, Home Provider
Other needs and preferences determined by the individual and referral team

TO QUALIFY AS A PARTICIPANT

Adults who are at least 18 years old and need the daily support of a caregiver due to developmental or physical disabilities
Participants must be referred by the Department of Developmental Services (DDS).

"BETTER TOGETHER": MORE THAN A MOTTO

SIBLING MEMBERS FIND A FAMILY WITH THEIR NEW CAREGIVER

We are “BETTER TOGETHER.” Just ask Clarence, Alees, Fay, Lisha, and the Community Living team at 979 Dickinson St., Springfield. For the past two-and-a-half years, Clarence and Alees (pronounced Uh-lees) have been matched with Fay, their primary caregiver, who provides emotional support and companionship for members who live with intellectual or other disabilities. While Fay is the primary caretaker, she also relies on Lisha, an alternate caregiver, and John, a direct care worker who takes Clarence on weekly outings to the movies, retail stores, and on walks.