Community Homes
Community Homes
When a loved one has a developmental or intellectual disability, finding the best residential environment is a decision you must make carefully. Safe housing cannot be your only goal. You need a home that is supportive, empowering, and respectful of its residents.
At Skills of Central PA, our community homes program is person-centered. All individuals receive 24/7 support to ensure they live independently without feeling ignored or alone. We welcome you to learn more about our community homes and services offered to the residents within them.
What Are Community Homes?
A community home looks like any standard household. Residents share common areas, eat meals together, pursue their own hobbies and interests, and help with daily tasks like household chores. They also have person-centered, professional support when needed, even if that support is needed at night or very early in the morning.
Skills of Central PA believes that every person deserves the freedom to make their own choices regarding their daily routine. They should be able to hold meaningful jobs within the community, engage with their neighbors, and attend community events when desired. Our community home services promote self-confidence and self-reliance.
The Six Pillars of Our Community Home Services
We build our community home services model on six pillars. The goal is to ensure families have complete peace of mind that their loved one is thriving at their community home.
24/7 Transportation
If a resident is working an off-shift, transportation shouldn’t be a hassle. Buses or taxi services may not be running, but that shouldn’t force a person to quit a job they love. Weekend shopping trips, evening community events, and rides to medical appointments are no problem.
The 24/7 transportation services available through the community home services ensure residents have a safe ride wherever they need to go, at any time.
Physical health is an important part of a safe, independent lifestyle. Community homes have licensed practical nurses (LPNs) available for all medical care and oversight. They provide prescription management, staff training, arrange care for complex medical needs, and coordinate medical appointments with specialists and primary care physicians.
No two people are exactly alike. We have different interests, personalities, and preferences. By making services available to the person within the community home, nothing is overlooked. Residents receive the necessary services and a personalized level of care that enables them to embrace their independence without sacrificing safety or comfort.
Qualified Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and Home Supervisors
Dedicated DSPs and home supervisors are around 24/7 to help residents with:
- Goal setting and follow-up
- Household chores and maintenance
- Meal planning and preparation
- Personal care and hygiene
- Shopping and errands
- Social skill-building and conflict resolution
Managing personal finances is challenging for many people. For someone with an intellectual or developmental disorder, help is often needed to balance a need for independence with financial stability.
With regional Representative Payee Services, administrative staff helps individuals with budgeting and tasks such as opening a savings account, joining a pooled trust, or paying monthly bills.
Round-the-Clock Administrative Backup
Safety and responsiveness are essential and cannot be pushed off to another day. In addition to our direct on-site house staff, Skills’ internal management personnel are on call 24/7 year-round. We address urgent situations, assist with unexpected problems, and provide advice when requested.
We Encourage Community Involvement Without Sacrificing Personal Space
One thing we encourage our community home residents to do is live life to the fullest. Part of this involves involvement within the community. We want them to build relationships, find worthwhile employment opportunities, and engage in local clubs or organizations.
- Community Participation: Residents are encouraged to attend community events, join clubs, shop at local businesses, and volunteer with area organizations.
- Employment: We can coordinate with the employment programs offered by Skills of Central PA and help residents access job training programs and get to work on time after securing jobs.
- Personal Space: Participating in community activities, sharing a home, and working each day doesn’t mean residents have no time to themselves. Private bedrooms provide a sanctuary for each resident to have time alone for hobbies and relaxation. Residents are welcome to decorate their private space as they desire.
- Relationships: Living in a community home means you’re sharing communal spaces with others. We encourage residents to form lasting friendships and work as a cohesive unit. Feeling that they belong is essential.
Why Choose Skills of Central PA?
Skills of Central PA serves people across central Pennsylvania in more than a dozen counties. We’re committed to personalized services that empower individuals to live full, independent lives. Our services are always person-centered, and community homes ensure residents receive:
- 24/7 transportation
- Financial support
- Homes in neighborhoods and communities
- On-call management
- LPN care coordination with personalized treatment plans and staff training
- Private bedrooms in a home with up to four bedrooms
- Up to 24-hour support seven days a week
Frequently Asked Questions About Community Homes
Who is eligible for community home placement?
Community Homes support adults and transition-age youth with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Residents have the support they need to live in the community, including services such as transportation, personal care assistance, and financial guidance.
How many residents live in a typical home?
Skills of Central PA places residents in the home that best meets their needs. Home sizes range from one to four bedrooms.
How are roommates paired?
We believe in Person-Centered Thinking. Before placement within a home, we get to know your loved ones’ interests, support needs, and personality. We want to ensure placements foster a positive, family-like environment where residents form strong friendships.
Can family members stay involved?
Of course! Family involvement is extremely important. You’re welcome to visit, attend household events, and stay in touch with the direct support professionals and supervisors. We want you to stay involved in your loved one’s life.
It’s Time to Start a New Journey
When your loved one is ready to spread their wings, Skills of Central PA is here to support that journey. Whether you are exploring future options or need placement in a community home as soon as possible, our team is ready to help.
Contact Skills of Central PA today by phone (8 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST) or via our online contact form.
Services are available in the following counties:
Adams County
Blair County
Cambria County
Centre County
Clearfield County
Clinton County
Cumberland County
Huntingdon County
Juniata County
Lycoming County
Mifflin County
Perry County
York County