Shared Living

Every situation is different based upon the client’s needs. The average monthly payment to hosts range based upon the client’s needs. Emmaus does not deduct any federal, state or local taxes from the host’s monthly payments. In fact, hosts may avoid paying income taxes on any income paid for being a host home. Emmaus recommends hosts seek counsel from an accountant.

The client will carry their own medical insurance. All clients have Medicaid, many also have Medicare. The host is not responsible for paying for medical appointments and prescription copays.

Yes, the host is responsible for transporting the client to all activities outside of the home including but not limited to day programs, competitive jobs, therapy, medical visits, dental visits, vision visits, appointments, and social/recreational activities. The host must have a dependable vehicle and keep current insurance on all vehicles used to transport the clients. The host will not paid for mileage or upkeep on their vehicles.

The host home agreement is a yearly contract. Hosts are asked to recommit to the agreement yearly.

Hosts are encouraged to continue to live the way they always have. For instance, hosts who have game night with their friends every Friday, should continue doing so. Visitors to the host’s home do not have to go through any additional vetting (like background checks). Hosts do not have to report when visitors
come to their home. If a friend or family becomes a new household member, background checks must be completed on individuals 18 years or older. A house guest that stays overnight for more than 2 weeks or uses the home as a primary residence would need to favorably complete a background check.

No. The host is a designated person with whom Emmaus names as the host in the services agreement (contract). This is the person responsible for providing care to the client. Those living in the host’s home are not required to provide care to the client. However, anyone living in the home that is over the age of 18 will need to complete a background check. In addition, a house guest that stays overnight for more than 2 weeks or uses the home as a primary residence would need to favorably complete a background check.

Possibly. If the planning team is in agreement, a member of the Host’s household can provide relief support. This person must complete all necessary trainings and requirements to provide and be paid for Relief Support.

Each client has an ISP that will identify if they are able to live in a home with pets. If the host is a pet owner, Emmaus will only match that host with clients who are able to live with pets.

It is important for the client to have their own room. They may share a bathroom with the other members of the home. The size of the home is not nearly as important as the type of care the host will provide to the client. However, a home study will be completed by Emmaus; the purpose of the home study is to assess the environment and determine if it will meet the needs of the client.

Yes, the host is responsible for ensuring the client’s medical needs are handled timely and appropriately. The Host will be trained in medication administration. In addition, the host should advocate for the client and act under the guidance provided in the ISP.

Anyone able to provide a safe home, pass a background check, complete annual training, and maintain compliance is eligible. Hosts can be married, single, retired, college-aged, have children in the home, or be empty-nesters. In some cases, hosts can even have a job outside of the home.

Emmaus provides all the required training for hosts at no cost. Training includes but is not limited to: First Aid/CPR, Medication Administration, Clients Rights, Confidentiality and HIPAA, Person Centered Planning and Person Centered Strategies, client specific training, and positive behavioral supports. In
addition, Emmaus will provide training on electronic documentation requirements.

Every client has a set number of relief support hours so a host can have time alone including time away from the client. The average number of relief hours ranges from 150-260 hours per month. Relief hours are funded by Department of Mental Health.

Relief hours are given to provide the host a break. Every host home uses relief hours differently. A few examples are:

• To go on vacation
• To attend school
• To attend a second job
• To participate in hobbies
• For uninterrupted time to complete paperwork, chores, or errands
• To attend weddings, funerals, and family events Relief staff, hired by the host, will care for the client when relief hours are in use.

*We will get into relief staffing and relief pay during the informational session.

It is important for the client to have their own room. They may share a bathroom with the other members of the home. The size of the home is not nearly as important as the type of care the host will provide to the client. However, a home study will be completed by Emmaus; the purpose of the home study is to assess the environment and determine if it will meet the needs of the client.