HOST HOME PROVIDER PROGRAM SUMMARY

People with Intellectual and or Developmental Disabilities (IDD) who receive services through the Comprehensive Medicaid Waiver may choose to live in a Host Home.  Through the Community Living Alternatives, Inc. (CLA) residential program, people receiving services may live with a host (foster) family or a single individual of their choosing who best provides the support that meets their needs. There are a variety of different host homes and depending on what the person is looking for in a particular setting, CLA applies a detailed matching process to connect the person with potential host home providers.

CLA contracts with host homes throughout Denver, Arapaho, Douglas, Albert, and Adams Counties in various cities, suburbs, and in some rural areas. It is important to understand that home means something different to everyone and CLA values culture, diversity, and inclusion. We support host homes with 1-2 people receiving services living with a designated Host Home Provider. On some occasions, if the person receiving services needs short-term respite care, CLA Program Management may work with a host home to allow for a temporary three person living arrangement.

What is a Host Home Provider?

Host Home Providers are independent contractors who open their homes to provide a loving, caring, safe family environment with 24/7 support to a person receiving waiver services. The duties and responsibilities of being a Host Home Provider vary greatly based on the person’s needs and wants. A Host Home Provider is required to provide supervision and life skill building opportunities to the person(s) in their home.  This may range from teaching and modeling budgeting, cooking and laundry skills to personal hygiene and adaptive behavioral skills.  Some people may have more intensive needs and require assistance with cognitive functioning, challenging behavior, mental health, medical conditions, mobility, bathing, or toileting.  Host Home Providers are not the only source of support for the person, as there is a team of family members (in some cases) and people from various disciplines and backgrounds (Interdisciplinary Team) who have a strong interest in the well-being of the person receiving services.  The Host Home Provider is a member of this team and collaboratively advocates for the interests, ambitions, and dreams of the person(s) living in their home.

Current Host Home Provider Needs

CLA is seeking Host Home Providers who posses the following skills, training, and experience to fulfill respite and potential long-term placement needs.

Medical Supports (such as but not limited to)

• G-Tube
• Ostomy and Catheter Care
• Diabetic Care
• Lifting and Transferring Support
• Oxygen Monitoring and Support
• Supporting PRS with attending Medical Appointments and Follow-up Care for complex needs.
• Supporting medical needs of people who are non-verbal.
• Proficiency in Medication Administration and MAR documentation

Behavioral Support

• Behavior Management Techniques: Knowledge of positive behavior support (PBS) strategies to reduce challenging behaviors.
• De-escalation Skills: Using strategies to defuse situations before they escalate.
• Consistency in Routine: Establishing and maintaining routines to promote stability and predictability.
• Supporting the behavioral needs of people who are non-verbal.

Mental Health Support

• Recognizing Symptoms: Understanding signs of mental health crises and behavioral triggers.
• Crisis Intervention: Training in crisis management and or Mental Health First Aid training.
• Collaboration with Therapists: Coordinating care with mental health professionals and following treatment plans.
• Trauma-Informed Care: Understanding the impact of trauma on behavior and adapting care accordingly.
• Supporting the mental health needs of people who are non-verbal.

Application Process

Completing the application to contract with CLA as a Host Home Provider is the first step to choosing a way of life supporting and empowering people with IDD to live their best lives.

Minimum Qualifications

To be considered to contract as a Host Home Provider or Respite Care Provider, CLA requires that applicants must:

• Have a genuine interest in supporting people with IDD and want to share their lives with the people in their home.
• Possess communication skills to work well with others, such as family members, guardians, CLA Program Managers, and other professionals involved in the person’s life.
• Must complete and pass criminal and motor vehicle background checks.
• Other people living in the home who are 18 years of age or older must also complete and pass criminal and motor vehicle background checks.
• Be honest, dependable, and caring with good judgment, understanding and patience.
• Have a house or apartment, rented or owned, that can pass a safety (HUD) inspection.  The home must provide the person with a private bedroom (with basic furniture) and a private or semiprivate bathroom in accordance with state regulations.  The Host Home must also provide common living areas including kitchen, living room, dining room, and an outside yard, which the person will share with the family. 
• Provide references from former employers and personal acquaintances.  
• Provide documentation of completed training including, but not limited to: 
  • State Medication Administration Training (QMAP),
  • First Aid and CPR
  • Individual Rights of People with IDD
  • Confidentiality/HIPAA
  • Prevention of Mistreatment, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation, Mandatory Reporting,
  • Universal Precautions
  • Defensive Driving
• Carry full insurance coverage on their automobile and home as well as Professional Liability insurance.
• Have a registered trade name with the State of Colorado as an independent contractor.
• Must attend a CLA Host Home Provider applicant informational meeting either virtually or in-person.