Home Provider

**Stacia** · 02-08-2012, 08:12 AM

For those of you with one person working outside of the home or those of you not making ends meet, have you thought about helping an Adult with special needs in the community while earning an income at the same time? I read so many posts about people getting laid off and their feeling hopeless, this might be a great opportunity for some of them, while changing someones life at the same time. This job can be challenging at times but also rewarding, knowing that your making a difference in someones life. If you not looking to care for someone full time you can apply as a respite provider accepting people into your home on your availability. I know quite a few people who are Home providers/Respite providers and they really enjoy it. You have to have an extra room of course so the individual can have a space of their own, you can live in an Apartment or House.

You will have to take some classes, and have a thorough background check but the company pays for your training. You are usually compensated at approx. $1200 every two weeks depending on the agency. You also receive a certain amount of respite days a year.

Residential Foster Care Provider, hereafter referred to as a Home Provider, is an individual contracted to provide supervision, support and/or personal care to a person with a developmental disability. Home Providers are sometimes called Residential Providers. Home Providers are used primarily to serve people with developmental disabilities, but also provides services for people with mental health issues and those who are physically disabled or have brain injuries. The foster home model has been used to serve children for many years. The Home Provider approach for adults has been found to be a terrifically successful alternative to group home placements. Individuals with disabilities and their families like the way the home provider can be individually tailored; they see it as a very natural way to be supported.

It is important to point out that a Home Provider is under contract. The Provider is paid a stipend, which is specified in the contract along with the responsibilities of both the agency and the Provider. Although we expect at least a one-year commitment, contracts are, in fact, open-ended. We closely monitor the care of the client and observe whether or not the responsibilities stated within the contract are being fulfilled. If there is any concern, the Home Provider will be presented with the specific problem and a plan of resolution will be developed. If there is no acceptable outcome, Living Innovations will give the Provider 30 days notice.

The Home Provider is responsible for the day-to-day care, safety and well-being of the client with whom he or she lives. There are times when you or we may obtain the assistance of others to help care for the client. For example, you may purchase respite services, seek alternative transportation or ask family or friends to spend time with the individual in your absence. When this happens, please understand that you, as the contracted Provider, remain responsible for the well-being of the client.

Host Families

This option is appropriate for senior citizens who require more support than can be provided at home but who desire an alternative to assisted living or nursing home care.

A Host Family may be an individual or couple with or without children who contract with the agency to share their home with a senior citizen. The Host Family is paid a stipend for providing such support as is identified in the senior’s Plan of Care. We provide relief and staffing support to the Host Family just as we do to a natural family.

Roommates

A roommate or companion is a person who agrees to live with an elderly or disabled person in the client’s home or apartment. Roommates assume responsibility for life sharing, as well as home-sharing. That is, they provide the bulk of the support that the person needs and desires. The number of hours and kinds of support are outlined in an agreement signed by the person being served, the Roommate/Companion and the agency, which oversees the arrangement.

**Stacia** · 02-08-2012, 01:02 PM

Here is an example: Host Home Provider Boulder Job

Skills / Requirements
Prior experience working with someone with a developmental disability preferred, but we will provide free training to the right candidate.

Required Skills:
Ability to adapt to new situations
Strong written/oral communication skills
Organization skills
Understanding, compassionate, and patient
Desire to help others be as independent as possible

Must have, or be able to pass within 90 days of hire:
*CPR/First Aid
*Medication Administration Certification
*Positive Behavioral Supports Training
*Developmental Disabilities Orientation
*Training on organization specific paperwork requirements
*MVR/Background check

**NicJean** · 02-09-2012, 09:09 AM

And, you forgot to mention - you are not taxed on this income!!

**Stacia** · 02-09-2012, 09:35 AM

Originally Posted by NicJean

And, you forgot to mention - you are not taxed on this income!!

Yes this is true! Thanks for adding!

**mombottoo** · 02-10-2012, 08:23 AM

It can be a way to earn money but, it isn't easy by any stretch of the imagination.

I don't know why the compensation wouldn't be taxable where you live but, it is taxable both on state & federal levels here in Michigan. I know many people who provide the type of care being talked about here (mainly for people with TBIs) and the payments they receive are generally taxable. They receive a 1099 misc form and if they so choose can deduct any expenses involved with caring for the person/people they are taking care of either in their own home or in the home of the client/patient but, they have to file a Schedule C in order to deduct expenses.

The "roommate" situation may be different but, I wouldn't think it would be if you are required to provide a certain number of hours of care in order to receive the compensation.

I'm curious as to where you gleaned the "non-taxable" information from?

**Stacia** · 02-10-2012, 08:37 AM

Originally Posted by mombottoo

It can be a way to earn money but, it isn't easy by any stretch of the imagination.

I don't know why the compensation wouldn't be taxable where you live but, it is taxable both on state & federal levels here in Michigan. I know many people who provide the type of care being talked about here (mainly for people with TBIs) and the payments they receive are generally taxable. They receive a 1099 misc form and if they so choose can deduct any expenses involved with caring for the person/people they are taking care of either in their own home or in the home of the client/patient but, they have to file a Schedule C in order to deduct expenses.

The "roommate" situation may be different but, I wouldn't think it would be if you are required to provide a certain number of hours of care in order to receive the compensation.

I'm curious as to where you gleaned the "non-taxable" information from?

It may depend which state you live in, here where I live your income as a Home provider is non-taxable. here's a site for Colorado read the caption under the map: http://boulder.jobing.com/Job_Detail...?JobID=3135821 It's the same in most states.

**Stacia** · 02-10-2012, 08:52 AM

I have two family members who are currently home providers, they really enjoy it and have had no real problems. Of course it can be difficult at times, but that's the same with all situations in life.

**mombottoo** · 02-10-2012, 08:55 AM

Things that make me go hmmmm....still trying to figure out how they are getting around the taxes. Maybe by calling it a stipend? Who knows, right LOL. If you are able to cope with all the ups & downs of caring for someone who would fit the profile it sounds like it would be a way to earn some money. But, when you have someone living with you it is a 24/7 endeavor.

Our son lives with us, he is a 24/7 endeavor and honestly I wouldn't be willing to put up with someone like him if they weren't related to me....love him to pieces which is the only thing that helps me keep my sanity

.

**Stacia** · 02-10-2012, 09:03 AM

Originally Posted by mombottoo

Things that make me go hmmmm....still trying to figure out how they are getting around the taxes. Maybe by calling it a stipend? Who knows, right LOL. If you are able to cope with all the ups & downs of caring for someone who would fit the profile it sounds like it would be a way to earn some money. But, when you have someone living with you it is a 24/7 endeavor.

Our son lives with us, he is a 24/7 endeavor and honestly I wouldn't be willing to put up with someone like him if they weren't related to me....love him to pieces which is the only thing that helps me keep my sanity

.

haha Yeah, I work for two different agencies working with people with TBI's and other disabilities. I don't think I would do it right now only because I have Children living at home, and it would be a bit too much. I enjoy my ME time when I get home at the end of the day. Maybe someday, I may look into foster parenting in the future, as my kids get older I can not imagine an empty house, my sister is a Foster parent and thinking of adopting the child she is fostering.