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HOUSING OPTIONS WITH INNOVATIVE ELEMENTS
was made. For the past four years, her housemate, Stacy, has also been her best friend. They chose a service provider who had experience supporting people who wanted to make their own decisions. This agency provides the staff to help these two women live as independently as they can. Tracy and Stacy, along with their parents and the provider agency, discuss any matters that arise that directly affect the ongoing care and happiness of these women. These decisions are always made in the best interest of Tracy and Stacy. Tracy is a person of few words. However, she is very capable of communicating what she likes or dislikes without conversation. Her parents serve as her spokesperson. Tracy’s mom says that this model and the way in which it operates may not be for everyone. Tracy’s parents and sisters are very involved in her life. They oversee the supportive services that she is receiving and advocate on her behalf whenever needed. They help with support. Tracy’s dad has the building expertise to maintain the property. Not everyone can do this but some pieces of this type of self-determined housing may work for others just the same. To ensure continuity, the family has made provisions for a succession plan. When Tracy’s parents can no longer contribute their time and resources, Tracy’s sisters have agreed to take charge. Legal documents have been prepared so that the home will continue to be a home for those with special housing needs, whenever Tracy no longer needs this home.
Home Sharing Model: Tracy’s Home For seven years, Tracy has been living in her own home. She rents her house from her parents. Her mom and dad renovated a lovely
ranch-style home just for her. Tracy’s parents are responsible for maintenance, upkeep of the property, insurance and property taxes. Tracy’s dad is a contractor so he knew how to handle all of the construction and repairs. The barrier-free design of the floor plan anticipated that Tracy was becoming less mobile and relying more upon using a wheelchair. Tracy lives in her hometown in the same neighborhood as her sisters and parents. Prior to living in her own home, Tracy lived in a group home. Due to her increased medical care needs, her parents decided it would be best to purchase a home and have Tracy as the tenant. Her DDD support budget is now used to provide services to her in her own home. Her mom says, “All the stars and the planets were aligned for us.” Mom’s vision and determination were largely responsible for making this dream become a reality. Tracy’s parents called upon key family members, a pro bono consultant, the executive director of the service provider agency, state workers and even the local senator for advice and support. It took two years of planning and negotiating, but their perseverance paid off. Tracy, with her parents’ assistance, selected a housemate to share this home. It took a few tries before the right match
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