What Is a Host Home?

What Is Host Home Care?

Host home programs support adults living with disabilities by providing a home and family environment to help them live joyful, independent lives. Host home providers assist adults in care by helping them reach their goals and set new ones within each individual’s care plan.

The level of help given to each person living with a disability will depend on the specific needs of the individual, the care plan, and the host home provider’s ability to give. However, many host home programs focus on meeting these needs:

• Creating a welcome, safe environment for adults living with disabilities
• Preparing nutritious meals with the person’s care plan in mind
• Helping an adult in care with building their skills, sparking creativity, forming connections within their community, and participating in interests to remain active
• Keeping records of activities, services, and other files
• Providing the daily encouragement, support, and any supervision needed for the individual in care to live a joyful life

Who Can Be a Host Home Provider?

Host home providers are people like you! Families who open their home to a person living with a disability aren’t fictional superheroes — they are the heart and soul of host home programs.

Host home providers may work different jobs, have different interests, and live in different areas. However, they all have one thing in common – a desire to help people living with disabilities to live well.

Many host home programs also rely on groups like Sevita. Partners help host home families navigate state rules and provide ongoing support to ensure that each individual's care goals are met.

Beyond the desire to make a difference, most states outline basic requirements for host home providers. Here are some of the requirements that you can generally expect if you’re interested in becoming a host home provider:

• You'll need to have an extra bedroom in your home
• You'll need to pass a background check
• You’ll need to have a valid driver's license and a reliable vehicle or means of transportation
• You must be free of any illnesses that could endanger the individual in care
• You’ll need to be a minimum age of 21 years
• You’ll need to have sufficient income to provide care —  not including any extra income provided as assistance for hosts

Keep in mind that these rules do change depending on the state.

What Role Does Sevita Play in Host Home Care? 

Sevita helps families become host home providers. We’ve made it easier for families to make a difference — all you need to do is fill out our host home form, and we’ll help you get started!

Sevita also helps ensure a perfect fit between host homes and people looking for a host home. Our matching process helps form lasting connections and meaningful relationships by placing each individual with the right family for their needs. 

We’re also there for our host home providers every step of the way with ongoing support from our dedicated team of professionals. Our team can:

• Help answer any questions
• Provide additional support for case management
• Make home visits as needed

Looking For More Info About Host Home Programs? 

Everyone needs the love and support of a caring family — from young children to older adults living with disabilities. Sevita’s host home program connects these individuals to supportive and loving families and communities so they can live life well. 

If you’d like more information about what a host home is or are interested in opening your home to an individual living with a disability, we can help. Learn more about becoming a host home provider and making a difference today.