Shared Living Providers are contracted through GMS to support the individual according to their service plan. 

Shared Living is a service for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities who choose to share a home with a contracted Shared Living Provider that offers ongoing support based on the individual's unique wants and needs by maximizing the opportunity for personal choice and growth.  The individual is matched with a home provider who has been qualified to contract as a Shared Living Provider.

As a member of a multi-disciplinary team, Shared Living Providers work with the individual served on all aspects of daily living, which may include administering medications, transportation, coordinating with other providers, support with medical appointments, improving safety skills, interpersonal skills development, nutritional support, behavioral interventions, and personal care. 

 At GMS we believe in the concept of co-managing with the individual, which means support is viewed as not just assisting, but imparting skills needed for independence. Health and safety remains the primary focus; however this is balanced with the dignity of informed risk and individual choice.  Shared Living Providers are tasked with understanding this balance while maintaining a healthy, positive relationship built on trust and respect. 

Shared Living Provider Guidelines:

• A member of a multi-disciplined team
• Provide the Individual with a safe, clean, and comfortable home;
• Assist with and schedule the Individual’s medical and dental appointments;
• Ensure that physician recommendations are being fulfilled;
• Administer medications if needed;
• Assist with cultivation of daily living skills;
• Develop a relationship with participants based on mutual respect;
• Foster community involvement, social development and positive relationship building;
• Assist Individual in maintaining their relationships with friends, family and or Guardian, if applicable;
• Ensure the overall well-being of the Individual and welcome them into the family unit with health and safety remaining a primary focus, balanced with the dignity of informed risk and individual choice.
• Provider may be employed elsewhere.

Shared Living Providers receive training, on-call support, and bi-monthly in-home visits with a Shared Living Coordinator, as well as a tax-free weekly stipend.

Eligibility to Become a Shared Living Provider:

• Age 18 or older
• Possess a valid driver’s license
• Successful completion of state and federal background checks
• Own or rent your own home or an apartment
• Able to provide personal care