Shared Living and Adult Family Care

In the Shared Living Program, adults with developmental disabilities live in the home of a trained care provider. Through a detailed process of matching the individual's interests and preferences with a family's strengths and experiences, Kennedy-Donovan Center is able to make successful Shared Living placements.

In addition to providing supervision and care, shared living settings promote:

• individual growth
• the development of relationships both within the home and in the community
• choice making
• self-advocacy
• community integration
• health and safety

The Shared Living program staff provides support and monitoring of each placement. Individuals receive case management and advocacy, and providers receive comprehensive, on-going training and support.

The program is certified through the Department of Mental Retardation.

Eligibility

Individuals who have a primary diagnosis of a developmental disability and are interested in living in a family-based home environment may be eligible for participation in the Shared Living Program. Services are provided without regard to age (providing the individual is at least 22 years), creed or race.

Eligibility is determined on the basis of information received through the individual assessment process.

Referral

Referrals may come from a variety of sources, including:

• Department of Mental Retardation
• Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
• Massachusetts Commissions for the Blind and the Deaf/Hearing Impaired
• Family and friends/advocates of the individual

For more information, please contact the Shared Living office closest to you.

Care Providers

Being a care provider can be a rewarding profession. Care providers have a lasting and significant impact on the individuals living with them and gain great satisfaction in enhancing their quality of life. By sharing their home and providing a safe, nurturing environment, care providers help individuals with disabilities to strengthen daily living skills, to develop greater independence and self-advocacy, and to pursue interests and relationships in the community.

Individuals who serve as Shared Living providers are independent contractors, and will be certified following an application and review process. KDC Shared Living staff provide care givers with on-going support and supervision.

Shared Living caregivers receive:

• preliminary and on-going trainings
• 24 hour response and support
• daily stipend reflective of the individual's care
• room and board payment

Serving the areas of South Valley, Metro West, Newton/South Norfolk:

Kennedy-Donovan Center
Family Support Services
258 Main Street, Suite 106
Milford, MA 01757
Tel/TTY: 508-473-5700

Serving the areas of New Bedford, Fall River, Taunton/Attleboro, Greater New Bedford Area:

Kennedy-Donovan Center
Family Support Services
376 Nash Road
New Bedford, MA 02746
508-997-5875

Serving Cape Cod and Islands:

Kennedy-Donovan Center
Family Support Services
32 Commercial Street
So. Yarmouth, MA 02664
508-385-6019