CARE OPTIONS FOR YOUR LOVED ONE
ADDITIONAL SUPPORTIVE LIVING INFO
SUPPORTIVE LIVING:
Supported Living provides a flexible partnership that enables a person(s) to live in their own home with support from an agency that provides individualized assistance in a home that is under the control and responsibility of the person(s). The service includes direct assistance as needed with activities of daily living, household chores essential to the health and safety of the individual(s), budget management, attending appointments, and interpersonal and social skills building to enable the individual to live in a home in the community.
SERVICE INCLUDES, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO:
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Assistance in securing decent affordable housing for rent
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Assistance in identifying roommates if needed
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Trained and experienced staff to provide care based on the Supported Living Level
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Supervision, monitoring, and in-service training of staff
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Building and strengthening life skills
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Connecting individuals to socialization opportunities that meet preferences and build community/support networks that are needed and wanted
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Complementary accessible transportation (supplemental to transport funded under Medicaid/Innovation Waiver)
ALTERNATIVE FAMILY LIVING (AFL)
What is an AFL?
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An AFL is a meaningful, family-oriented living opportunity for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) who have Medicaid and the NC Innovations Waiver funding, to live as a family member with individuals who are not related to them. For the individual and or family welcoming in the person with I/DD, this is no small commitment. It involves a life change as you expand your family circle and a capacity for welcome. It can also be quite beautiful, knowing that someone with I/DD can live the best life as a member of your family. And the tax-exempt financial benefits of providing an AFL, while they should never by the primary driver, are substantial.
What does an AFL provider do?
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AFL providers furnish services in licensed and unlicensed homes. A licensed home may provide service for up to 3 individuals. An unlicensed provider may offer services for one person. AFL providers assist their new family member(s) to gain and increase life skills; provide care and supervision that is needed; and support individuals to live their best life in a safe environment at home and in the community. Individual goals are determined by the individual in consultation with parents, other family members, guardians, the AFL provider, and the Alliance Care Coordinator.
How are AFL providers compensated?
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Because the US government has determined that the difficulty of care for individuals with I/DD is such that placing individuals in institutions would be far more costly, the income from providing AFL residential services is non-taxable. AFL income is determined by the level of care and support that is required. The individual’s care level is determined collaboratively by the support team.
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In addition, individuals with I/DD generally receive a Social Security Disability (SSI) benefit that is used to cover the cost of room and board in the AFL provider’s home.
Who is a good AFL provider?
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A person or family who has a heart for the I/DD community, an extra furnished bedroom, and a willingness to generously welcome a new member into their family, is the ideal candidate to be an AFL provider.
What is the time commitment of being an AFL provider?
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Of course, that depends on the needs of the person you are caring for. And it is hard to fully estimate time because the person will be living in your house and will be part of your life.
Requirements Qualities
18 years of age Nurturing personality
High school diploma or GED Seeing and embracing possibilities
Have furnished bedroom Patience
Permission of landlord if renting Advocacy capacity
Background check
Nurturing personality