Structured Family Caregiving

At Easterseals Northeast Indiana, our Structured Family Caregiving program offers a warm, family-based supported living option for adults with disabilities. This model embraces the power of meaningful relationships and consistent support to help individuals thrive. By choosing this model, you gain:

• Consistent, one-on-one care with a dedicated householder who is committed to your well-being, ensuring you receive personalized support that meets your unique needs and goals.

• Deep personal connections through shared meals, events, and daily routines that foster a sense of belonging and community, creating an environment where everyone feels like family.

• Enhanced well-being thanks to stable, safe living arrangements and proactive support that builds confidence, independence, and emotional health, making every day a step forward in your journey.

Structured Family Caregiving empowers adults with disabilities to flourish in a nurturing, home-like setting where care goes beyond the basics — it’s about connection, compassion, and real, lasting relationships.

Why Choose Structured Family Caregiving?

Traditional group homes and shift-based staffing models can sometimes make building trust and consistency challenging. At Easterseals Northeast Indiana, our Structured Family Caregiving program is designed to provide a deeply personal and supportive alternative.

Dedicated Householder Support

• A single, trained caregiver—known as a “householder”—lives in the home with you, offering personalized, one-on-one support.

• This arrangement allows for the development of strong, long-lasting relationships that promote emotional and behavioral stability, ensuring you feel truly at home.

Holistic Family Integration

• Instead of feeling like a guest in a facility, you’re an active part of a family environment, participating in everyday activities like family meals, holidays, and household routines.

• This model fosters a sense of belonging, strengthens social skills, and builds confidence in community interactions.

Proactive Health & Behavior Management

• Our dedicated householder is trained to monitor health concerns closely, helping address issues before they escalate.

• Consistent, individualized support empowers you to navigate behavior changes in a healthy and proactive way, ensuring you’re always set up for success.

Our Householder Qualifications & Training

At Easterseals Northeast Indiana, we prioritize the highest standards of care and safety for every individual in our Structured Family Caregiving program. All householders meet or exceed our Direct Support Professional (DSP) standards, and complete comprehensive training to ensure they are fully equipped to provide exceptional, person-centered support.

Easterseals Certification

• Every home and householder undergoes a rigorous certification process before placement, ensuring the environment is safe, welcoming, and fully prepared for the individual’s needs.

DSP Qualifications

• Householders meet industry-leading education and experience requirements, aligned with Direct Support Professional standards, to guarantee the highest quality of care.

CPR & First Aid Training

• All householders are trained and certified in CPR and First Aid, so they’re always prepared to respond quickly and effectively in any emergency.

Medication Administration

• Householders follow strict, individualized medication administration protocols that ensure safe and accurate dispensing, tailored to each person’s unique health needs.

Individualized Support Training

• Each householder receives extensive training on the specific needs, preferences, and personal goals of the person they support. This deep understanding allows them to build meaningful relationships and provide truly personalized care.

Note: Householders may be family members (such as adult siblings or extended relatives) but cannot be the individual’s spouse or legal guardian, preserving professional boundaries and ensuring objective care.

Collaborative, Individualized Care Plan

Our Structured Family Caregiving program is built on a foundation of teamwork, communication, and personalized support, ensuring each individual receives the best possible care.

Pre-Placement Matching

• Before moving into a home, prospective householders and clients meet to ensure compatibility and mutual comfort.

• This approach helps create a smooth, successful transition, fostering trust and confidence from day one.

Ongoing Team Collaboration

• Householders work closely with the client’s case manager, physician, family members, and an Easterseals caseworker to provide holistic, person-centered care.

• Regular client team meetings—held quarterly or as needed—review progress toward personal goals, adjust care plans, and celebrate milestones.

Active Social & Community Engagement

• Householders encourage participation in local events, clubs, volunteering, and other community activities.

• This not only builds a sense of belonging and purpose but also strengthens social skills and self-confidence.

Daily Progress Tracking

• Householders keep detailed notes on health status, behavioral milestones, and goal achievements.

• This consistent monitoring allows for timely care adjustments and celebrates each success, no matter how small, supporting a positive and empowering care journey.

If you are looking for more of a independent living space, try Supported Living.

If you require more comprehensive full-time support, consider exploring Group Home options.