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A Practical Guide to Home Sharing
Home sharing is an alternative housing option in British Columbia where an adult with a disability lives in the home of a Home Sharing Provider. The provider is an independent contractor who offers a safe, supportive environment and personalized assistance based on the individual’s goals and needs. Each arrangement is unique, reflecting the preferences and lifestyle of the person served.
Why People Choose Home Sharing
Home sharing provides a meaningful and inclusive way for adults with disabilities to live in their communities. Families and individuals choose home sharing because it offers:
- Family living: An adult with a developmental disability joins a household, sharing meals, daily routines, and family life.
- Roommate arrangement: An individual lives alongside a home sharing provider, supporting each other while maintaining some independence.
- Separate suite: A person lives in an independent suite within the provider’s home while still receiving ongoing support.
- Respite support: Short-term or temporary care is provided when the main home sharing provider takes a break.
Examples of Home Sharing
- Family living: An adult with a developmental disability joins a household, sharing meals, daily routines, and family life.
- Roommate arrangement: An individual lives alongside a home sharing provider, supporting each other while maintaining some independence.
- Separate suite: A person lives in an independent suite within the provider’s home while still receiving ongoing support.
- Respite support: Short-term or temporary care is provided when the main home sharing provider takes a break.
Is Home Sharing Right for You?
Home sharing is not for everyone. Becoming a Home Sharing Provider means opening your home and supporting an adult with a disability in their daily life. To decide if this role is right for you, ask yourself:
- Am I ready to welcome someone with a disability into my household?
- Can I provide a safe, respectful, and supportive environment?
- Do I have the time, space, and resources to offer meaningful support?
- Am I open to learning, working with agencies, and following established service standards?
Making Home Sharing Work
A successful home sharing arrangement requires trust, open communication, and clear expectations. Providers, individuals, families, and agencies all work together to build a supportive environment.
Tips for success:
- Be clear about needs, expectations, and boundaries from the beginning.
- Take part in orientation and training before starting.
- Maintain regular communication with the individual, their family, and the coordinating agency.
- Schedule ongoing check-ins to discuss progress and resolve concerns early.
- Focus on building a relationship that balances independence with support.
Questions to Ask Yourself
For Home Sharing Providers:
- Why do I want to be a provider?
- Do I have the skills, space, and household environment to support someone safely?
- Am I prepared to follow service agreements, policies, and monitoring standards?
- How will this role fit with my family or household?
For Individuals and Families:
- What are my goals and expectations for home sharing?
- What type of home and household would be the best match?
- What qualities are most important in a provider?
- How will home sharing help me or my family member live a fulfilling life?
Finding and Choosing a Home Sharing Provider
In BC, home sharing is arranged through community living agencies, with oversight from CLBC. These agencies help with:
- Matching individuals and providers based on needs, values, and compatibility.
- Screening through home studies, interviews, and safety checks.
- Background checks and references to ensure safety and quality.
- Ongoing support and monitoring once a match is made.
Families and individuals work closely with agencies to choose a provider who can create the right environment for safety, growth, and belonging.
Agreements and Expectations
All home sharing arrangements are formalized in a Service Agreement. This document outlines:
- Roles and responsibilities of the provider, agency, and individual.
- Level of support and services required.
- Compensation and payment structure.
- Health, safety, and quality-of-care standards.
- Monitoring, training, and communication requirements.
- The process for ending or changing an arrangement.
Managing Challenges
Even in strong arrangements, challenges can arise. They are best managed by:
- Addressing concerns early and clearly.
- Communicating with respect and focusing on solutions.
- Involving the coordinating agency for support and guidance.
- Following established processes for conflict resolution or transition planning.
Key Takeaways
Home sharing is a rewarding way to provide care and create inclusive communities. It allows adults with disabilities to:
- Live in a safe and supportive home.
- Build meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging.
- Pursue personal goals and independence.
- Thrive in their communities with the right match and support.
For providers, home sharing is a meaningful opportunity to make a difference, supported by training, monitoring, and collaboration with agencies and CLBC. Success depends on respect, open communication, and commitment to quality care.