FAQ

General sls Information

1. What is your agency's mission, and how do you support individuals with ID/D?
   • Supportive Living Services has a simple yet meaningful mission: “We believe every person should live the best life possible”. SLS seeks to understand what the best life possible means to the individuals we support while providing dependable and thoughtful care.
2. What services do you provide for individuals with ID/D? 
   • SLS currently offers a range of services that are provided at SLS residential homes and within private homes in the community. Services provided include: In-Home Community Support, Companion Services, Community Participation, Residential Habilitation, Lifesharing, Supported Employment, and both In-Home and Out-of-Home Respite.
3. Who can access your services?
   • Individuals aged 18 and older who have been diagnosed with an intellectual disability or autism and are with a  Supports Coordination Organization
4. What is the process for enrolling in your programs?
   • Once someone is open with a Supports Coordinator, they can send SLS a referral to start exploring your options.
5. What are your operating hours, and how can I get in touch? 
   • Our business hours are Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. You can reach us by calling 814-454-1252.

How do I qualify for services?

1. How do I know if my loved one qualifies for services? 
   • To qualify for services, you must be open with a Supports Coordination Agency, be eligible for a waiver or base funding, and have a diagnosis of either an intellectual disability or autism.
2. Are your services available to all age groups, or do they cater to specific age ranges?
   • To access services at SLS, you must be 18 years of age or older. Currently, we only provide services to adults.
3. Do you require any documentation to apply for services?
   • Depending on the selected service, certain documents may be required, including a physical examination, medications, a state ID or driver's license, a birth certificate, and a social security card.

how does sls provide support?

1. How do you tailor support plans for individuals with different needs?
   • Each person receives personalized support, with goals and plans tailored specifically to them. No two plans are alike, as they are designed to meet the unique needs of each individual, and staff are subsequently trained to meet the individual's needs.
     
2. How do you ensure the safety and well-being of clients?
   • SLS works toward the safety and well-being of clients by implementing protocols for risk mitigation, providing continuous staff training, and creating a supportive environment for open communication. Regular monitoring and feedback mechanisms help to address any concerns promptly and maintain a secure, nurturing atmosphere for all individuals involved.
3. What is the staff-to-client ratio in your programs?
   • All community-based services are conducted entirely within the community and are provided on a one-on-one basis. In our residential programs, the staff-to-participant ratio is typically no more than 1:4.

how does payment and funding work?

1. How much do your services cost? 
   • Services vary in cost and are set by the Office of Developmental Programs. Each service has discrete costs that are typically covered by the IDD waiver. Please note, if enrolled in a waiver or receiving county base funding, no direct cost is owed to SLS by the individual or family. 
2. Are your services covered by insurance?
   • No, our services are not covered by insurance; rather, they are covered by the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Waiver. This is a program that provides funding and support for individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism. 

how can family members be involved?

1. How can I be involved in my loved one’s care plan? 
   • Families can choose to be involved in as much or as little as they and the individual prefer. Typically, family members are invited to the annual support planning meeting. 
2. Can family members visit or participate in events or activities if my family member lives in a group home/Lifesharing?
   
   •  Family members are invited to participate in SLS events and can visit their loved ones residing in a residential program.

can you provide some more detailed information? 

1. Do you provide transportation to and from services?
   • Transportation is included in our community-based programs, and individuals will be picked up and dropped off at a designated location. Transportation is also part of the services offered for residential care.
2. How are Lifesharing services different from group home living?
   • Lifesharing services offer individuals with intellectual disabilities or autism the chance to live with a qualified adult or family in their private home.
3. What is the process for selecting a Lifesharing Caregiver?
   • Lifesharing employs a matching process to select a provider, ensuring that both the individual receiving services and the providers agree that it is a suitable match. This process can take up to 6 months. 
4. What kind of support do Lifesharing caregivers provide?
   • A Lifesharing provider offers a range of support, including assistance with daily living tasks, medical care, and personal development. They also help foster social connections, promote independence, and ensure a safe and comfortable living environment tailored to the individual's needs.
5. What kind of training do SLS staff members receive?
   • All staff must complete at least 24 hours of training, which includes, but is not limited to, CPR/First Aid, person-centered practices, community integration, and individual-specific needs. 
6. Can I tour an SLS home?
   • Yes, SLS is open to offering tours of group homes for prospective individuals. Additionally, home tours are part of the referral process.
7. How many people live in a group home?
   • The number of residents in a home can vary, but SLS has no homes that accommodate more than four individuals.
8. Do you offer any specialized services for individuals with dual diagnoses? 
   • Although SLS does not provide specific programs for dual diagnosis, many of our clients do have dual diagnoses. 
9. How do you support individuals transitioning from school to adulthood?
   • Supporting individuals with IDD/A during the transition from school to adulthood looks different for everyone. We can create individualized goal plans that may focus on vocational training, life skills development, and community integration. 
10. What happens if my loved one needs services as they get older or if their needs change?
    • Just like you and me, it's natural for your loved ones' needs to evolve. As those needs change, we aim to keep individuals with us for as long as we can provide the necessary support. With many accessible homes available, we continuously assess the needs of each individual and make adjustments as needed to ensure they receive the best possible support.
11. Do you offer employment or volunteer opportunities for individuals?
    • Yes, employment and volunteer opportunities are available for both individuals who reside within SLS or access community-based programs.