While sharing your home with an individual with a developmental disability can be an extremely rewarding experience, it is important to be aware that it is not entirely without its challenges. Most who provide this type of support agree that home sharing is more than a job. It is a lifestyle choice.
The approval and screening process is very comprehensive and involves all members of the household. It is important to be aware that, even if you are approved as a home sharing provider, there are no guarantees that you will receive a contract. Contracts are issued based on a number of variables including the individual’s specific preferences and requirements for support.
(For agencies who are interested in providing home sharing services, find more information here.)
Basic Requirements
Home sharing is not generally viewed as an entry to the community living field. Contractors are expected to have previous experience supporting adults with a developmental disability. The following are some of the basic requirements for home sharing providers who contract with CLBC and its partner agencies:
- minimum of 19 years of age
- satisfactory home study
- satisfactory criminal record check
- satisfactory background check
- first aid / CPR certificate
- physician’s certification of good health
- valid driver’s license
Contractors must be able to provide a safe and welcoming home that offers the individual with the opportunity for inclusion. Home sharing providers are also expected to understand and promote the vision, mission, and values of CLBC and its partner agencies.
CLBC Home Sharing rates
CLBC’s home sharing rate structure (effective as of April 1, 2020) is based on an individual’s level of disability support needs as reflected in an assessment tool called the Guide to Support Allocation (GSA). Each GSA level aligns with a total compensation amount.
Home sharing providers receive this total compensation via payments from CLBC and individual contributions. Individuals contribute a portion of their income, usually based on whether they are under 65 and receive BC Disability Assistance (often called “PWD”), or over 65 and receive the Old Age Security/Guaranteed Income Supplement (OAS/GIS).
Click here to see CLBC’s home sharing rate structure.
Handbook for Home Sharing Providers
The purpose of this handbook is to ensure that home sharing providers clearly understand their roles and responsibilities. The handbook reviews important standards and policies that have been endorsed by CLBC. It also provides an overview of successful practices within the field and shares resources that promote the longevity of home sharing relationships. Click here to read the Handbook for Home Sharing Providers.
You can also find handbooks for family members and for people living in home sharing here.
Interested?
CLBC partners with various community agencies across the province to provide home share services.
To search for an agency that provides home share services, CLBC recommends:
- Go to Google and search for: “Home Share services in ______ (your community)” for example Victoria or Prince George
- Scroll down the search page to ensure you read the full list of results. You will also need to confirm that the agencies listed support adults with developmental disabilities.
Most agencies have “community living” or “society” in their names and can be found at times towards the bottom of the search page.
Contact the agencies directly and ask them if they provide home share services and let them know that you would like to know more about the application process.
From there, they will give you details on their process for becoming a home share provider and will ask you a few questions over the phone.
If there are no agencies currently providing home sharing in your community, or if you require more information about home sharing, please contact your nearest local CLBC office using the contact information found here.