F.A.Q.
Frequently Asked Questions
Offering space in your life and home for a person with a diverse ability is a big lifestyle choice. Here are common questions people have while considering if becoming a home share provider is right for them.
Home share is a residential option in which an adult with diverse abilities shares a home with a provider who provides ongoing, individualized support. Home share responsibilities vary widely depending on the person you are supporting and their needs and preferences. Some have a high level of independence, while others need more support. Some prefer more involvement in the family, such as sharing meals together, while others prefer less daily interaction. Some want a private suite while others enjoy sharing the house with the family. People’s preferences and needs also change over time. As they are encouraged to grow in skills and confidence, they may find they no longer want or need what they started with. You as the home share provider, have flexibility to adapt supports to match their growth.
For some people, getting a feel for what the home share provider role is like can be experienced by becoming a respite provider. Respite is a support service offered to either a family who is supporting their child at home, or a home share provider. As a respite provider, you can bring the person to your home, which, depending on the arrangement respite, can be a few hours to several days. Providing respite gives you a chance to see if home share might be a suitable option for you.
All home share providers must meet the standard provincial requirements of a support provider. These requirements can be found on the CLBC website as well as in our home share handbook. In addition, an in-depth home study is completed with the applicant and all members of the home by our home share coordinators.
As part of your contract with Bethesda, you will be working closely with one of our home share coordinators. Their role is to empower and guide you with training, and to support you in challenging times. They check in with you formally during monitoring visits, and are available at other times to assist you to find resources or other issues that may come up. Coordinators offer reliable and encouraging support.
The contractor amount is determined by Community Living BC (CLBC). The funding is based on an assessment, completed by CLBC, of the needs of the person you would be supporting. You are an individual contractor, not an employee of Bethesda, and will not receive employee benefits. You will hold a contract with Bethesda, which will be reviewed on an annual basis.
Your home share coordinator completes a home study and review around your home, with you and all who live in your home. The coordinator also reviews the needs and preferences of the person seeking a home to share. The coordinator takes the preferences and requirements of both parties into account when determining a potential match. If the coordinator feels that there is a potential match, a profile will be presented initially, and the matching process begins.
The person you are supporting may experience challenges, some related to aging, or unforeseen circumstances that require additional support that you are struggling to provide. If the level of care required becomes too much, your support can be revisited. For example, additional respite funding or funding for a higher level of care can be requested. You will also be supported by a home share coordinator who will work with you to accommodate the best interests of both parties. It is our goal to sustain long term placements and work with all involved when and if challenges arise.