Straight from the Source: A Discussion with Three of Our Host Home Providers

There are many reasons to choose to open your home to an adult with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Maybe you are an empty nester and feel a bit lost without someone to take care of? Perhaps you are ready to give up the isolation of a 9-5 job for something that provides more flexibility and a meaningful connection? Or, you might have just realized that your skill set and personality type are perfectly matched for a caregiver position. There are a wide range of reasons people choose to become host home providers.

Meet Deanne. She is one of our Host Home Providers here at Sample Supports. We were lucky enough to sit down with her and find out just how special being a Host Home Provider really is.

Q: What do you love about being a HHP?
A: Being a host home provider has allowed me to have a career that I can be proud of, knowing what I do everyday truly makes a difference in others lives.
Q: What is your most memorable moment from being a HHP?
A: There have been so many great moments with Morgan. One that sticks out and makes me smile every time I think of it was when we were having a get together at the house with friends I traveled with years ago. We were playing the best of 80s and 90s music. Morgan stole the show. She was a dancing queen and knew all the songs. Seriously, there is nothing better to see than how much music lights Morgan up. She was smile from ear to ear all night with no concerns in the world.

Q: What do you want others to know about being a HHP?
A: Being a provider can be challenging at times and when you work through those challenges to find what works for your home, it will be very rewarding and all worth it! One of the best perks for me has been the flexibility in schedule, allowing me to stay home with my children.
Q: What is the best way for your team to support you?
A: I am thankful for my team and the best way for them to support me to is to continue doing what they are doing. My team has open communication, provides behavioral support and lends an ear when I need to verbally process different situations.

Interested in Becoming a Host Home Provider?

Meet Erica! We were very excited to sit down with her and learn more about her experience as a Host Home Provider.

Q. What do you love about being a HHP?
A. I love the opportunities that being an HHP provides. Yes, it is a paid responsibility, but if you have a [individual] that is a good match, life is the same. With all the supports provided, I love that I am still able to pursue a career, and help my [individual] in a community setting.

Q. What is your most memorable moment from being a HHP?
A. My most memorable moment is when Vanessa and I went to Disney World! She had talked about going there for YEARS, and it was a fun first experience for her. It was something she wanted to do, and we made it happen.

Q. What do you want others to know about being a HHP?
A. I want others to know the flexibility of being a HHP. You are not on your own, there is a big team in place to help, and you can still live "normally" while earning an income and supporting a consumer with living in the community.
Q. What is the best way for your team to support you?
A. The best way for my team to support me is by being available for support-which they always are!

Interested in Becoming a Host Home Provider?

Meet Brenton! He is one of our most experienced Host Home Providers, and we were excited to hear his thoughts and feelings about being an HHP.

​Q. What do you want others to know about being a HHP?

A. Just like any job, Host Home Providing presents its challenges. However, it is by far and away the most rewarding job I’ve ever had.

Q. What is the best way for your team to support you?
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A. Support is essential in order to provide the best care possible for the individual involved. These supports would include but are not limited to communication, facilitating respite along with clarification regarding all other aspects to best support the client in a host home setting.

Q. What do you love about being a HHP?

A. There are many reasons I love my career/roll as a Host Home Provider. Above all I love that being a Host Home Provider allows me the unique opportunity to be a stay at home father while continuing to follow my passion of making a difference and a positive impact in the lives of individuals living with developmental disabilities.

Q. What is your most memorable moment from being a HHP?
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A. As a HHP I have shared countless memorable moments with multiple clients throughout the years. A moment that stands out in particular is attending the Denver Broncos training camp at Mile High Stadium! William and I are both huge Bronco fans and he had previously never been to the stadium so it was awesome to share the experience with him!

Interested in Becoming a Host Home Provider?