What Is a Host Home Program? How Does It Work?

Sevita believes every person deserves to live a rich, full life, whatever challenges they face. Host home programs are a way for people with disabilities and a wide range of other needs to grow and become more independent while living as part of a family. 

• Some adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and in some cases also medical needs, may live semi-independently, while others need more support.
• For these individuals, support from a host home provider is a way to live more  independent lives while enjoying being part of a family and their community.

In this article, we’ll talk about:

• What a host home program is, and how it works
• Who host home providers are, and how to become one
• How Sevita supports host home providers 
• Who can benefit from the support of host home programs
• How long an individual might get support from a host home provider

What Is a Host Home — and How Does It Work?

In a host home program, an individual with a disability lives with a caregiver, sometimes called a host home provider. Host home providers support a person with a disability by giving them a home and family life. As part of their caregiver's family, individuals can explore hobbies, participate in community activities, and reach personal goals. 

The degree of host home services provided depends on the state that the individual lives in and how much support they need. Typically, the services offered by host homes include:

• Creating a safe and welcoming place to live for individuals with disabilities
• Helping the individual build independent living and social skills
• Providing daily supervision, encouragement, and support as needed
• Preparing healthy meals in line with each individual’s support plan
• Providing transportation to work, appointments, or activities that are part of independent living goals
• Helping the individual enjoy hobbies to stay active, build skills, make friends, and be a part of neighborhood life
• Maintaining key records of services, activities, and any support the individual gets

Sevita matches individuals that would like to receive host home services with individuals who would like to open their homes. Our team gets to know each person we serve, including their needs, goals, and preferences, to help form long-lasting and caring bonds.

Who Provides Host Home Care?

Who Can Become a Host Home Provider?

People interested in becoming a host home provider come from all walks of life. The one thing that all of them have in common is a dedication to helping those in need.

Some of the most common requirements for host home providers across the United States include:

• Having a valid driver's license and reliable means of transportation
• Having enough income not provided as supplemental income by the state or partner agency
• Not living with any illness that may endanger the individual served
• Having a minimum age of 21

If you’re interested in becoming a host home provider, Sevita's caring team can walk you through the process. Start by filling out our host home form for more information. From there, we help you begin the process of becoming a host home provider.

Who Can Benefit From a Host Home?

• Host homes support adults with disabilities who want to increase their independence, be active in the community, and be part of a family. 
• No two individuals are the same, so each person receives a support plan with services designed just for them.
• For example, some people that have a disability may work or prepare their own meals.
• Other individuals with disabilities may need more support or supervision as part of their daily support plan.

Whatever challenge they may be facing, we believe individuals with disabilities have the right to live well, and host homes help them do that. 

How Long Does Someone Live in a Host Home?

There’s no set answer to how long the host home relationship can last! 

• Since every individual’s needs are different, each host home is different, with different supports and a host home provider who can support their unique needs and goals.
• Many successful connections between individuals and their host home provider have lasted years.
• If the individual has a need for more or different services, a care coordinator can help adjust their support plan.
• When we make matches between a host home provider and individual, we consider what matches can result in a long-lasting and successful relationship.

Host Home Care Services Build Stronger Communities

We all want the love and support of family. With Sevita host homes, adults with disabilities get love, support, and a sense of belonging from their host home provider or family.

Becoming a host home provider with Sevita means listening and supporting the needs and goals of an individual served. Host home providers change lives by helping people reach personal goals, live more independently, and lead fulfilling lives.

Are you thinking about opening your home and your heart to a person with disabilities? Learn more about becoming a host home provider today.