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Northern Berkshire Care Provider Needed

Berkshire County residents, Pathlight has a new Shared Living opportunity in your area!

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!

We are currently looking for a home for a man we’ll call “C.” for anonymity’s sake. As of right now, our priority is to find a Care Provider for C. who lives around the Northern Berkshire area (Cheshire, Adams, North Adams, Williamstown, Clarksburg, etc.),

What type of homes would be a good match for C. specifically? A LOT of different family dynamics actually! Living in a house with children doesn’t bother him (In fact, they might share similar interests and hobbies), and he is also fine with pets (C. used to own a dog, so if you have one, chances are high he will want to help walk your furbaby!). For those that work full or part time jobs, it would be helpful to know that C. attends a day-program during the week, so it’s not necessary for care providers to be home all the time.

We also want to take a moment to touch on C.’s personality because he’s just such a pleasant person to be around! He is a shy, loving guy who has a curiosity about the world around him. He is an observer and prefers to take on the role of the listener in a conversation. While he is a man of few words, he will communicate the most with those he feels comfortable around. C. enjoys and appreciates the simple joys and experiences of home life that most of us take for granted- being helpful; being included.

Below is some additional information potential Care Providers might want to know about C.:

  • OUR SPARE BEDROOM IS ON THE 2ND FLOOR. WILL THAT BE AN ISSUE?: While C. prefers a first floor bedroom, he doesn’t have any physical limitations or restrictions, so it will not matter if his room is located on the first or second floor.
  • DO I NEED TO HELP WITH TRANSPORTATION?: All Care Providers should be willing and able to help with transportation needs when necessary; however, it’s important to note that C.’s day program DOES provide rides to and from the site.
  • DOES HE NEED SUPPORT WITH PERSONAL CARE?: He doesn't need physical assists, but Care Providers should be comfortable giving support, supervision, prompting and check-ins when needed around Activities of Daily Living (showering, brushing teeth, etc.).
  • WHAT OTHER SUPPORTS WOULD HE NEED?: C. will require help with money management and shopping, cooking/meal prep, and things of that nature.
  • WHAT ARE SOME OF C.’S FAVORITE THINGS TO DO?: C. enjoys various aspects of nature: spending time outside, walking dogs, fishing, etc. He also loves being with family, playing games, and unwinding by watching tv.

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.  In addition to receiving the annual and generous TAX-FREE stipend, Care Providers for this rewarding opportunity are given training, case management supports, and respite.

If interested, call 413-731-4548 or visit https://pathlightgroup.org/programs-and-services/shared-living/ and fill out a Shared Living Interest form!

Lastly, on behalf of C. and Pathlight’s team, we ask you to please consider sharing this opportunity to others!

"To make a difference in someone's life you don't have to be brilliant, rich, beautiful or perfect. You just have to care."  -Mandy Hale