Life Sharing
Life Sharing is a housing option for adults with intellectual disability, autism and/or a medically complex condition. Interested individuals are matched with an individual or family and invited to live in their home. The participant becomes part of the family’s life, extended family, and community, while remaining connected to their own natural supports. Life Sharing offers a supportive living situation and the opportunity for skill building in a structured, consistent, and safe environment.
How Life Sharing Works
Life Sharing pairs a participant with a qualified Life Sharing Caregiver. Caregivers can include family members, family friends or community members.
Living arrangements may include:
- Living in the caregiver’s home
- Remaining in the participant’s own home with support
- Moving into the home of a qualified Life Sharing provider
Life Sharing focuses on consistent relationships and shared daily experiences rather than rotating staff support. Participants receive assistance with participating in the community, transportation, personal care, wellness activities, household tasks, and support coordination.
Eligibility for Life Sharing
A person may be eligible for Life Sharing if they:
- Are registered with the Office of Developmental Supports (ODS)
- Want to live with a caring adult or family in a private home
- Have a need for residential services in their Individual Support Plan (ISP)
- Have eligible funding, usually through a Consolidated or Community Living Waiver
A person may be eligible to become a Life Sharing Caregiver if they:
- Are at least 18 years old
- Have time to support a Life Sharing relationship
- Can support the participant’s needs
- Complete required trainings
- Accept responsibility for providing care and support
Caregivers may support someone they already know, such as a family member or family friend, or may be matched with a participant through a provider agency.
How to Get Started
To learn more about becoming a qualified Life Sharing Caregiver or Life Sharing participant call the Office of Development Supports at 412-253-1399 and ask for the Life Sharing lead. You may also email ODS for information at DHS-ODS@alleghenycounty.us.
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