Life Sharing Program

What is Lifesharing?

This residential service offers individuals the opportunity to live with and receive support from a non-relative family or companion in the community. The individual selects a provider to spend their life with by meeting potential providers and spending time with them. The selected provider will assist in all areas of their life and provide a warm and welcoming home for that individual.

 

Responsibilities

Interested in Lifesharing? Let’s talk about what your responsibilities would be on an everyday basis.

  • Providing Hygiene
  • Providing Food
  • Daily engagement/relationship building
  • Medical appointments and medical management
  • Community activities
  • Monitoring all activity

Lifesharing enhances and enriches the lives of individuals by offering
another residential living option. It is a way to connect individuals with
families in the community that want to open their homes and hearts. The
relationships that are formed are an important part of developing life skills
and self esteem, and the individuals increase their skills in daily activities
when engaging in a typical family life.

 

Benefits

Being a lifesharer is a rewarding experience. The individual or family
not only receive a new friend and companion, but the opportunity to make
a true difference in someone’s life. There is a generous tax-free stipend monthly,
in addition to the payment for room and board.

 

Will I have help?

We provide training for all host families. Lifesharing coordinators provide assistance
with problem solving, resources, and respite for the host family. Program specialists come
in monthly to the home to help complete the mandatory paperwork. There are also regional
Lifesharing coalitions, provider agencies, and county MH/MR programs available
individuals are all 18 years of age or older with a variety of needs and challenges.

 

History

Lifesharing officially began in Pennsylvania in 1982 with a family in Berks County who wanted to support a friend by bringing him into their home. It offers individuals with a disabilities the opportunity to live with a family who will support their needs and goals on a daily basis. These individuals are all 18 years of age or older with a variety of needs and challenges.

 

Eligibility Requirements

Overall, it is important to have a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and the ability to encourage an individual’s emotional, social and educational development.

  • Home study/intake process
  • A period of 3 to 6 months to facilitate the development of relationships
  • Criminal Background Check
  • Training
  • Time and space to support lifesharing relationships