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How You Can Help
Home Share Providers
We’re always on the look out for families that can provide
a home to people with developmental disabilities.
The meaning of “Family” has changed
drastically over the years and can no longer simply be considered a couple
with 2.5 children. Perhaps the best current definition would be: “a social
unit consisting of one or more adults and the persons they care for in a long
term relationship.”
More informally: A family consists of the
people you've known for a long time, who are always there for you. Note that
this doesn't necessarily apply to someone you're actually related to. Who
hasn't had a beloved "aunt" that turned out to be a family friend
rather than a relation, or a "brother" who doesn't share parents
with you?
Distant Oak tries to recruit families
capable of and willing to care for an individual with disabilities for the
long (multi-year) term. The adults of these families should have the
following attributes (in no particular order):
·
be willing
and able to support a disabled individual
·
is mature
and fully understands the commitment that they are undertaking
·
leads a
stable life
·
is in
reasonable health
·
is capable
of managing their financial affairs
·
has the
necessary life skills and patience to support an individual with
developmental disabilities
·
lives in a satisfactory home
We wont beat about the bush: caring for a person with
developmental (and often medical) disabilities can be difficult and tiring.
Why should you bother?
Well, it’s because you’re lucky. You may have a million
worries and tasks to be done and likely some problems loom huge on your
personal horizon. But at least the world makes sense to you – you can
navigate it: You have your home and it’s furnished. You have an income, you
can provide your own meals, you are healthy and big words don’t scare you
because you know how to use a dictionary. In other words, you’re well adapted
to this complex society and can function within it.
Now, walk a few kilometres in a developmentally disabled
person’s shoes: What other people seem to pick up quickly and naturally takes
you a long time and sometimes even when you want to so badly, you simply
can’t because no one will give you a hand. They talk at you but you don’t
understand them. When you go out, say to a store they talk down to you making
you feel like you’re second class… or worse. Sometimes they don’t even bother
to talk to you. They ignore you and pretend you’re not there.
If you prick us, do we not
bleed?
If you tickle us, do we
not laugh?
Merchant of Venice – W.
Shakespeare
You wont be supporting a disabled person alone – though
you are crucial. First, there’s
Distant Oak backing you all the way. Behind Distant Oak is CLBC and behind
CLBC is the British Columbia government. To the right and left of you are
many other organizations (check out the links section) able and willing to
lend a hand.
Respite Providers
Perhaps you’re not ready to take on the responsibilities of a Home Share Provider?
You can still help and “get your feet wet” as it were by becoming a respite
provider. Definition of respite: A usually short interval of rest or
relief.
Taking care of a person with developmental disabilities can be tiring.
Parents and home share providers sometimes need a break even if only for a
short while and you can provide it. Depending on the needs of the family
requesting respite, you’ll either provide it at your home or theirs.
The Application Process
After you contact us at info@distantoak.ca ,
we’ll send you some forms to fill out. The application process is fairly
straight forward, though it may take some time. As the application proceeds, we’ll need the following from
you:
·
Filled out application forms that ask who you are,
where you live etc. If the information that you give us appears to be
satisfactory then well ask you to provide:
a. Criminal
record search for each adult in your household
b. Valid
First aid/CPR certification. If you don’t have these items Distant Oak will
pay the costs of obtaining them
c. T.B.
Skin Test
d. Driver
Abstract
e. Medical
Fitness report to be provided by your G.P.
f.
Background references
g. A
thorough home study to be done by Distant Oak (home share providers only)
h.
Authorizations
(Any costs
associated with these items will be paid for by Distant Oak)
Ok, I’ve been through the application process and approved. Now
What?
That all depends. One of
Distant Oak’s many functions is to match up the person who has a
developmental disability with a potential home share (or respite)
provider. There may be somebody
on the waiting list and it looks like a good match … or maybe not and you may
have to wait.
If we find what appears to be a good match, the process becomes very much
like dating (with Distant Oak as facilitator):
1.
We give you some background on the person and if you’re
still interested…
2.
We give him/her some background on you and if s/he is
interested…
3.
We set up a meeting in a neutral place – maybe have a coffee
and get to know each other a bit. If that goes well…
4.
You spend an afternoon together where you get to be tour
guide - show them around town, show them your home and if that goes well …
5.
It’s time for a sleepover. After this, you both should have a
pretty good idea about how you feel about living together but if you’re still
not sure, we can arrange for other activities, meetings etc. until you are.
There’s absolutely no pressure to come to a decision immediately since this
is a very big step for both of you.
Ultimately, one of three things can happen:
-
Sorry, we’re not compatible. OK no harm done. Distant Oak will keep on looking for
suitable matches.
-
I like this person/family but I don’t want to be with
them/him/her every day. Respite
perhaps?
-
It’s a go! We’ll ask you to sign a contract outlining your
responsibilities and make financial and moving arrangements.
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