Care Providers Needed in Holyoke/South Hadley
Pathlight is currently looking for a person or couple to be the Care Provider(s) for a woman served by our Shared Living program.
For those that aren’t aware, Shared Living is a service model in which an individual with developmental disabilities moves in with a person, couple, or family. The Care Providers receive a tax-free stipend and the knowledge they are making a positive difference in the lives of others, while the individuals can live and grow in a home-based situation and experience the everyday activities of family and community life. A WIN-WIN SCENARIO!
For the sake of anonymity, we’ll call this woman “E.” Prior to Covid, E. worked at the food court in the Holyoke Mall. When the pandemic hit, she made the decision that it was time for her to live her best life and finally retire. While she is a very independent person (having even lived in an apartment on her own for a period of time), it will be nice for E. to have the support and security that comes with Shared Living. As she has created many connections within her community over the years, our priority is to find a future home that is in HOLYOKE or SOUTH HADLEY so those relationships can continue.
What type of homes would be a good fit? Check out our Q&A section below to learn more about E.!
- I HAVE CHILDREN, WILL THAT BE AN ISSUE?: At this stage of her life E. is looking to relax and unwind, so- although she is fine being around them otherwise- she would prefer to live in a home without children.
- WHAT ABOUT PETS?: E. loves and would be fine in a home with dogs, but isn’t too keen on living with cats.
- WHAT ARE SOME OF E.’S FAVORITE THINGS TO DO?: When at home, E. likes to make potholders, work on word searches, and do puzzles. She enjoys going to the local Senior Center and spending time with her friends. E. also gets a ride from a fellow parishioner to attend weekly meetings at the Jericho House Church.
- OUR SPARE BEDROOM IS ON THE 2ND FLOOR. WILL THAT BE AN ISSUE?: E. would probably be better having a bedroom on the first floor.
- WHAT KIND OF SUPPORTS WOULD E. NEED?: E. doesn’t need prompting for care, can use appliances by herself, and is quite capable of doing many things on her own from laundry and chores, to light cooking. That being said, E. does have a seizure disorder that will require supervision at home and in the community in the event they occur. Care Providers should also be willing to lend a helping hand in other areas of her life by providing transportation, assisting with shopping, and helping her remove her medication from its packaging (very reasonable requests!).
- HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE E.’S PERSONALITY?: E. is such a friendly person! She enjoys to laugh and have a good time.
Ideal candidates for this role would have skills in working with individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities (though not required), be able to establish clear and consistent routines, set reasonable limits, and provide structure.
Care Providers would receive:
- A Generous, Tax-free, Stipend
- Respite Care
- Ongoing training & education
- Responsive case management
- Support from clinical staff and consultants
- 24-hour back-up in the event of an emergency
- The satisfaction of making the difference in someone's life
If interested, call 413-731-4548, email Info@PathlightGroup.org, or visit https://pathlightgroup.org/programs-and-services/shared-living/ and fill out a Shared Living Interest form (the form is at the bottom of the page)!