Lifesharing is a service that supports individuals with intellectual disabilities to live with qualified adults who provide support in their home supported by ODP funding. Lifesharing homes are licensed and inspected to ensure the health and welfare of the individuals being served. Lifesharers offer individuals the opportunity to be part of a family and to participate in community life. Lifesharing is a great alternative to residential group homes and is often a much better, more natural, and less restrictive environment for the individual.

Here are some other points to know if you are considering being a houseparent

Your home will have a dedicated specialist to ensure you can get the guidance, reassurance and assistance when you need it. They will work with you during each phase of the process,

There are 24 hours of training a year

A few easy online trainings a year for lifesharing.

CPR and First Aid certification is required, and must be renewed every other year.

Everyone in your household needs a physical and TB test prior to anyone moving in. TB then needs to be completed every other year.

Everyone in the home over the age of 17 needs a background clearance, Focus will complete this before move in and as required by the program.

There is a note that must be completed for every day of the month. These notes are NOT difficult at all, so don’t let that deter you.

A fire drill is completed and documented every 6 months.

To ensure their health, assist the individual in scheduling an annual physical and biannual dental appointments as well as maintain any other appointments they may need.

If the individual is not independent in taking medications, a med log would also need to be kept and maintained (Your Specialist would help set up all of this).

You receive a tax-free stipend monthly that is dependent upon the individual, averaging $2600-$3300.

Focus Behavioral Health, Inc. is dedicated to maintaining a workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment. We recognize that inequality adversely affects our staff, clients, and the communities we serve. It is our expectation that every member of the Focus Family actively contributes to fostering an environment where all individuals feel included and are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.

We are committed to equal employment opportunities for all individuals, regardless of any protected characteristic, including but not limited to race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, creed, ancestry, age, marital status, lawful alien status, or protected veteran status. We do not discriminate based on disability. All decisions regarding hiring, compensation, training, performance evaluation, and termination are made fairly and without bias. We continuously reflect on our unconscious biases and hold ourselves accountable for creating an inclusive environment where every employee and candidate feels welcome.

Focus Behavioral Health, Inc is a drug-free workplace, and we use E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility and identity of all new hires.