OCO Family Care Host Home Providers Making a Difference

FULTON –  The tantalizing aroma of homemade pancakes wafts through the house as Phyllis Keller welcomes Christine to for her favorite breakfast.

Keller, a host home provider with Oswego County Opportunities (OCO) Family Care Program, welcomed Christine into her home earlier this year.

“I became aware of the OCO’s Family Care Program several years ago when I was working as a home health aide. One of the homes I was sent to was a host home and I thought wow, what a very nice program,” said Keller. “I reached out to Family Care Specialist Penny Foster-Pratt to learn more about the program. The concept of becoming a host home provider appealed to me, but at the time I was a couple years away from retirement and not ready to participate in the program.”

As she continued working the thought of opening her home and becoming a host home was always on Keller’s mind. When she did retire, Keller moved into a new home that was nearby her friend Sally Downs.

“Sally served as a host home provider and shared her house with Mary,” said Keller. “She told me how much she enjoyed the program and having Mary stay with her. After speaking with Sally I knew it was time for me to contact Penny again.”

Foster-Pratt met with Keller and explained that as a host home, she would be giving someone with a disability the opportunity to live and interact with their community. Keller would provide the resident with a private living space while offering support and guidance with their resident’s daily schedule.

“After moving in to my new home I realized that I really didn’t need this much room, said Keller. “It bothered me a bit that I have all this and there are people that need a place to live. I did have some doubts at first, however after speaking with Penny I was confident that the program participant she suggested would be a good fit. Penny did a great job making sure that happened when Christine moved in with me,” explained Keller.

Becoming a host home provider has been an experience that has been mutually beneficial. Keller enjoys the company and sharing her time with Christine, while Christine has a comfortable living environment and takes part in a number of activities.

In addition to their time together at home the two attend church services, go shopping, and volunteer at Keller’s church. Christine looks forward to her visits to St. Luke’s Adult Day Health Care where she enjoys arts and crafts, trips to stores and parks, and whirlpool therapy. One of her favorite outings is her weekly fish dinner with Sally and Mary at Mimi’s in Fulton. It brings back memories of when her parents used to take her there years ago.

“Becoming a host home and having Christine living with me has been a blessing,” said Keller. “Now that I am retired, it adds to my income, gives me purpose, and helps keep me active. I’m thankful that Christine is here. We enjoy each other’s company. While I oversee Christine’s medications and ensure that her prescriptions are up to date, she takes care of her own needs and helps with chores around the house as well.”

“Phyllis has been wonderful,” said Foster-Pratt. “Christine’s home was in a rural setting with plenty of farm animals and pets. Phyllis helped Christine adjust to the more relaxed environment. She even helped Christine with a health issue. Christine had been having issues with her knees and back. Phyllis noticed that Christine’s shoes weren’t the best fit. After finding her a new pair of shoes that were better suited for her feet she noticed that Christine’s knees and back greatly improved.”

“Penny has made it very easy for me to be a host home provider, said Keller. “She helps with the paperwork associated with the program, ensures that the house is inspected for safety guidelines and takes care of any upgrades that may be needed. She also assists with transportation and ensures that Christine’s bills for medicine or healthcare are taken care of. Penny does a great job and is always there with any support I may need.”

OCO’s Family Care program is a NYS OMH certified residential program for adults with a disability. Through its host homes OCO’s Family Care program provides these individuals the opportunity to lead an active lifestyle and interact in their community. Due to the program’s success OCO has openings for host homes in the Oswego, Fulton, Mexico, Phoenix, Hannibal, and Pulaski areas.

Interested in becoming a Family Care host home, or referring someone as a resident? Contact Penny Foster-Pratt at 315-806-5179 or visit www.oco.org.

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