Outreach Supports

From making healthy meals to managing money, we foster independent living in adults with developmental and intellectual challenges.

A Holistic Approach to Independent Living

Our outreach team helps disabled adults develop the life skills, self-reliance, and social network necessary to live on their own with 5 to 25 hours of weekly staff support.

We typically see participants from 2 to 3 hours a day, 7 days a week. Those who successfully reduce their need for assistance are seen just 5 to 7 hours a week. We offer support in the areas of:

  • Safety
  • Nutrition
  • Domestic skills
  • Health and hygiene
  • Money management
  • Meal planning and prep
  • Social development
  • Housing acquisition
  • Emergency prevention
  • Community engagement
  • Recreational activities
  • Medical, dental, and mental healthcare
  • Acquisition of generic entitlements

Services are funded by the Department of Developmental Disabilities and free for individuals, except for costs related to voluntary outings such as admission fees and food. There’s also a small activities fee for certain groups such as bingo or arts and crafts.

What to Expect

In the first several months, a variety of skills assessments are conducted. Services are then developed through a person-centered planning process – the Individual Support Plan (ISP) – in conjunction with the Department of Developmental Services.

Goals are based on what each individual wants to accomplish as well as needs identified in the skills assessment.

Training and support are provided by the outreach team with a 1:1 staffing ratio, 1:2 co-operative learning situation, or small group activities.

We review our progress at an annual ISP team meeting with the client, family members, and service providers.

In-home safety assessments are conducted every three months to reinforce safe domestic practices and assess for potential hazards. A 24-hour emergency response system further protects participants.

This program helps adults meet their medical, dental, and behavioral health needs with community-based providers. Case management is also provided to help with generic entitlements such as Social Security, food stamps, MassHealth, Medicaid, fuel assistance, and rent subsidies.

Optional money management assistance helps these adults develop the skills to manage their own funds whenever possible. If needed, CHD will serve as the representative payee.

The outreach team also plans social activities about 4 to 5 times per week with a new calendar developed monthly. In addition to being fun, these group activities bring opportunities to develop social skills, confidence, and a close social network.