Ohio Shared Living Provides New Options for Home

There are many ways to define the concept of ‘home.’ Home can be living with the family you were born in to, or it can be living with roommates or a family that you choose. According to the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, Ohio Shared Living (OSL) “provides an option for adults with a developmental disability to get the support they need while living with a family member or caregiver.” An individual can live with one or more family members or caregivers who provide 20 percent or more of that person’s care and support services.

Dungarvin’s Ohio Shared Living program has been going through updates recently. As the organization responds to the needs of its community, the team has been recruiting for both more program applicants as well as OSL providers. “We have had several current providers share information about Ohio Shared Living with their friends and family,” stated Lead Program Director Sarah Lazirko. “As a result, we are now reviewing and vetting many more potential providers as the program grows.”

The team has been inventive in getting the word out. Flyers have been created for each of the OSL homes that have open bedrooms for individuals in need of a permanent home or are looking for respite options. These flyers include information about the provider as well as pictures of the home environment. “Recently, we have emailed service coordinators at the IDD agencies as well as transition specialists/counselors at nearby school districts to provide information for students who are transitioning out of school,” said Lazirko. “We have shared more about the OSL program with the respite and placement departments at the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities as well, setting up tours with OSL homes. We have received respite referrals and are hoping to help individuals looking for permanent placements, too.”

Eligibility for the Shared Living service is based on an individual’s living situation and person-centered needs as outlined in the Ohio Individual Service Plan (OhioISP). Applicants need to be at least 18 years of age and have an Individual Options (IO) Waiver. Although a full-time commitment providers may still be able to have employment outside of the home, depending on the services required. OSL providers are paid to offer hands-on care and supportive services, coordinating services outlined in the individual’s OhioISP. Examples of these services may include cooking meals, providing transportation, and planning activities during the day. Providers must be at least 18 years of age and able to provide an extra bedroom in their home. Full background checks are conducted before any placement occurs.

“Currently, we have several OSL homes with open bedrooms waiting for permanent placements,” said Lazirko. “We are also able to provide respite to families who do not have other options for the individual they are providing supports to when they need to be out of town or are themselves in need of a break.”

To learn more about Ohio Shared Living, contact Sarah Lazirko at 614-547-8413 or slazirko@dungarvin.com.