Adult Community Services
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The Homestead provides outreach services to adults with autism in their homes and the community. This program focuses on meeting the specific needs of the individual by providing assistance in improving and mastering the skills that lead toward independence or increased access to all that life has to offer. Each individual's program is based on specific needs and driven by an Individualized Treatment Plan (ITP) that outlines measurable, observable goals.
This program differs from many others in that the individual rents or owns his or her own home. A person who receives supports through Adult Community Services will likely sign the actual lease with a landlord to secure the residence. The person is also responsible for utilities, groceries, furniture, housekeeping and other household related costs and activities. Typically a person in this program uses a combination of public supports such as Social Security, housing assistance and food programs and personal income to help pay housing costs. The person served may decide to live with one or more roommates to help offset the costs of housing. Doing so will result in savings but also brings new challenges negotiating how to live peacefully and in concert with others. Sometimes there are disagreements about food, activities, housekeeping or bill paying – just as there are anytime two or more people live together. Professionals from The Homestead are available to help work through these challenges. Learning how to negotiate with others in your living environment is a key to social success for everyone, including individuals with autism. Some individuals receive support anytime they are in the residence, while other individuals may only receive one or two hours of support a week. Typical staffing patterns range from 1 associate to 1 person served to 1 associate to 3 persons served. The amount and the nature of these supports are determined through an interdisciplinary team including the agent responsible for funding the services provided. Services may be paid using Medicaid Supported Community Living, Habilitation Services or private pay. For more information about The Homestead's Adult Community Services, contact The Homestead at 515-967-4369 or info@TheHomestead.org or apply for admission online. |
