Lifesharing

As an Access Services Lifesharing provider, you would:

• become a valued member of the team and your ideas and opinions would count
• receive regular guidance and support in your work especially when you run into challenges
• have 24 hour on call support by telephone and at your home, when needed
• have training opportunities in addition to the required training and orientation

To become a Lifesharing provider, you will need a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.  Household members will need physicals, showing that everyone is free from communicable diseases. Various clearances and references are also required. It is important that your family has sufficient income to meet the financial needs of your household without relying on the reimbursement you will receive for providing care and support to the individual placed in your home.

You can rest assured that Access Services will guide you through the process of becoming a Lifesharing provider without it becoming a long-drawn-out process. Once we receive your application, we would like to schedule the home safety inspection and time to meet with you for approximately one hour for orientation. This will allow for time to answer questions you may have in addition to discussing what becoming a Lifesharing provider with Access Services entails. More detailed information about Access Services, the host family programs, the approval and placement processes, specific documentation and training requirements will also be provided.  

After orientation, if you are comfortable with continuing with the process, a home interview will be scheduled and completed.

Access Services provides you with all needed training free of cost. We do not require that you come to the office multiple evenings to obtain the training. Most of the training can be done in the comfort of your own home by way of on-line training. Currently, the only ‘classroom’ required pre-service training is First Aid and CPR.  

Once your file is complete, it will be reviewed. Upon approval, you may begin providing respite care while waiting for a permanent placement.

You would be responsible for the day-to-day care, supervision, and development of the individual placed in your care. Often times, the individuals placed also attend school, day program or work outside of the home. Individuals typically need varying levels of support concerning appointments, activities, and transportation. Other responsibilities would include participation in monthly meetings, completion of required documentation, adherence to state regulations (which we will help you with) and helping the person in your care learn new skills and meet their personal goals.

Access Services is currently offering a $250 sign-on bonus to new host families once they are approved and complete only two days of respite!

You would be classified as an independent contractor and the monies you receive would be considered reimbursement for room, board, and care to the individual placed in your home.

Reimbursement rates for Lifesharing start at $2,300.00 per month (non-taxable income).  Adult respite rates range from $100.00 - $175.00 per day (before tax).

It is our pleasure to reward current providers and employees for referring people to become Foster Parents, Lifesharing Providers, and Respite Providers by giving bonuses (up to a maximum of $500 per referral). The first $200 is dispersed once the referred family’s file is complete and they provide one day of respite or receive a long-term placement. An additional $300 will be awarded once the referred family has provided thirty days of respite or has provided care to an individual placed through Lifesharing or Therapeutic Foster Care for three months.

You would not be responsible for paying for the clothing needs of individuals staying in your home. The individuals receiving services typically have their own insurance and are responsible for all related co-pays and expenses, to include medication. Money may or may not be available for recreational activities.

Access Services desires to make suitable matches between families and individuals in need of a home. When a possible match has been identified, an Access Services representative will call you to discuss all pertinent information. Pre-placement visits are essential in order to ensure a successful match. As a Lifesharing provider, you would ultimately choose whether you are able to take the person into your home.

We would encourage you to provide short-term respite care before making a decision to enter into a long-term placement. This would afford you invaluable experience caring for people with special needs and give you the chance to get started sooner.

Typically, adults have their own rooms. Bedrooms need to have appropriate size beds for each person. There should be a mirror, dresser or chest of drawers, and closet or wardrobe space available for each individual.

As a provider, you would be assigned an Access Services coordinator as your primary contact person. The coordinator will partner with you making sure that you have all the information that you need to care for the individual placed in your home.  After hours, you will have access to our on-call system.  Support will always be available in an emergency. Our system is such that you will receive a quick response from someone who is familiar with the individual in your care. You will also receive pre-service training outlining what to do in the event of an emergency. Access Services is known for our commitment and support to the individuals we serve and our host families and we will be with you every step of the way!