In keeping with our belief that one size does not fit all, we offer Creative Living Options. These are individualized residential arrangements that don’t fit neatly into any one category. Instead, the living option is based on the individual’s unique interests, social ability, general functioning level, age, geographic considerations, physical ability and specialized needs. The end result is always a space where they feel happy and at home.

We strive to ensure that all CLOs:

• Support the individual in becoming an active and participating member of his/her home and community.
• Promote independence, self-determination, self-advocacy and empowerment.
• Create a healthy collaboration among the provider, family and referral source to meet the individual’s changing needs, preferences and interests.
• Encourage relationships, social activities and a highest quality of life.

Residential support professionals together with companion staff and individual support staff combine to provide the level of support needed for the individual. CLOs take the form of finding single apartments, condos, living alone with outside outreach support or matching the person with roommates. The benefit of CLOs is their fluidity and flexibility. As people's needs change, so does the nature of the CLO and the support provided. A CLO provides a positive environment which promotes confidence and raises one's self esteem through taking calculated, well informed risks. The outreach staff is there to guide a person through this process and teach them to capitalize on the learning experience. In some cases a live-in companion lives in the CLO arrangement and provides the "invisible net of support" which is so valuable for growth.

There are some situations where an individual simply needs support to remain in their own living arrangement. In those instances, a case manager is assigned to work with the person on assessed skill areas such as money management and budgeting, cooking, personal organization, time management, medication administration management and the like. These supports are intended to enable the person to function as independently as possible.

Everyone is different and for some individuals, the best place to thrive and grow is in a trained care provider's home. This residential option is based upon the mutual benefit of including an individual with disabilities in an existing family unit. An assessment of needs determines whether such an arrangement is suitable or beneficial to the individual. Homes are located throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

TILL recruits caring, responsible families who then are screened to become Care Providers. They may be a single person or a couple, with or without children. The key to the success of such an arrangement is to match the individual's needs and interests with those of the family. After a match is found, a transition period follows which includes a gradual introduction to one another. This can take place over days, weeks, or months, and allows both parties to ensure a successful match. Factors of geography, size of family, age, etc., enter into the decision of a match.

Individuals may choose to stay with a family for a long period of time or use it as a step to a different type of residential arrangement. This is a dynamic process, which involves the individual, the family, TILL, and the referral source.

First and foremost, Care Providers must have a desire to open their hearts and home to another person. They play a hugely important role in helping these individuals become more independent, and may find themselves teaching such skills as cooking, laundry, money management, communication, and health care. Care Providers must be able to:

• Provide a safe, clean living space and private bedroom for this individual.
• Take part in a formal home study, receive training in CPR and First Aid, and complete an orientation program.

All Care Providers are supported by TILL professional staff and are financially compensated for providing a caring, nurturing environment in which growth and development are central to the arrangement. This includes ongoing supervision, emergency backup, and a network of specialists to call upon for help and advice.

For more information contact Alan White, TILL's Director of Residential Alternatives at 781-302-4695 or email him at alan.white@tillinc.org.