Companion and Host Model Homes

Innovations has developed robust Host Home and Companion Model Home programs. In these programs, an adult with a developmental disability either lives in a provider’s home (Host Home), or a provider lives in a home owned by the adult with disability or his or her family (Companion Model Home).

Innovations has more than 60 host homes throughout Boulder and Broomfield counties and surrounding counties, and that number continues to grow.

The traditional model for Host Homes is one where an individual moves into a “traditional” family home, and the placement is considered a success if the individual is able to adapt to his or her new host family. In this view, little regard is paid to the unique personality traits of the individuals moving into the new home.

Innovations’ Host and Companion Homes team looked at this model and saw a recipe for failure. We are all individuals with our own likes, needs, values, and desires, and we all tend to gravitate towards those with similar likes, needs, values, and desires. So if a model could be created where Host Home providers or companions could be selected based on matching interests, lifestyles, and personalities, the end result would be long term placements that allow significant opportunities for growth and fuller engagement in the community. Innovations created such a model.

Innovations staff members work very carefully to ensure that Host and Companion Model Home providers and consumers are well matched. A wide variety of criteria are used to find the best fit. Maybe one person would prefer to live in a mountain home with plenty of peace and solitude, while another person would prefer to live in an apartment in the middle of town where they have easy access to friends and fun events. The process of carefully matching consumers and providers means that the consumer has the opportunity to live the kind of life he or she would like, and is able to access the community in more successful and meaningful ways.

The results that come from using this model have been impressive. Many Host and Companion Home Providers have been together for more than 15 years or more.

The Innovations Host and Companion Model Home team support staff provide assistance to ensure that providers and consumers have access to tools and supports to help them succeed. They are very knowledgeable about what works, and are eager to share their experiences and resources.