FULTON, NY – Oswego County Opportunities’ Family Care Program is currently seeking individuals and families interested in becoming home providers. The community-based program is one of only 3 in New York State and provides adults with mental illness the opportunity to live and interact in the community. The participants enjoy a high level of case management and the benefits of living in a family environment.
Family Care home providers offer support to people who need to learn the necessary skills to be able to live on their own. They provide their resident(s) with a safe and caring home environment for their resident, three meals a day, supervision of any medication, and support and guidance in regards to the resident’s schedule, day programs and development of their basic living skills.
All participants in the Family Care Program are screened and matched with a suitable home provider who is anxious to welcome them into their home. This helps to ensure a positive experience for both the participant and the home provider. Home providers also have the final say as to whom they choose to accept in their home.
According to Family Care Specialist Penny Foster-Pratt, home providers find participation in the program to be very personally rewarding. “Knowing that they are not only helping their community but also offering support to people who need it by helping them learn the necessary skills to live on their own makes it a very worthwhile experience. The residents are good company and in many instances are considered part of the family.â€Â
Home providers in the Family Care Program receive monthly training on pertinent issues such as how to effectively communicate with the residents, special diet and nutrition needs, CPR and first aid; 24-hour staff support; semi-annual respite; and a monthly allotment of $772.48 per resident.
“We are very appreciative of our family care home providers and see to it that they receive the training and support they need. Our residents also enjoy a high level of case management,†added Foster-Pratt.
Due to the success and increased demand for the program, there is currently a need for homes in Oswego County. For more information on participating in the Family Care Program, contact Foster-Pratt at 598-4710, ext. 1094.
OCO, Inc., is a private, non-profit agency that has been supporting communities throughout Oswego County since 1966 and touches the lives of more than 20,000 people annually. OCO, Inc., is a United Way of Greater Oswego County member agency. For more information visit the website at www.oco.org
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