Meet Curtis and Susan. Susan is a Shared Living Provider to her son Curtis, who has been diagnosed with Autism and Achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism. After Curtis aged out of school and while Susan worked, he was receiving home support, which did not work out for their family. “Before Shared Living, we had so many in-home workers who didn’t get me, who didn’t always show up, and who quit on me,” Curtis noted. “My Shared Living goals are fun. I do my physical therapy exercises every day. I love to go grocery shopping, to cook, and to go out with mom and do stuff. When the weather is nice, I like to walk outside with my Nordic Poles.”
Curtis is quite active in the community and loves volunteering. Every summer, he helps with a Maine Breast Cancer Awareness fundraising golf tournament, held in memory of a loved one who passed away. He reads to kids at a local elementary school, has volunteered for the March of Dimes and local library, and volunteers at his Little People of America meetings. And every holiday season, he donates to Toys for Tots and Coats for Kids.
Susan has been a Shared Living Provider with Spurwink for three years and noted that she appreciates the support offered to her, which enables her to be able to better meet Curtis’ needs. “He has his own spaces that he can decorate and organize any way he wants…This is the happiest he has been.” When asked why Shared Living is a good option for their family, Susan said that it’s “because of the consistency. Having multiple staff coming and going makes it very difficult for Curtis to function at his highest level. It’s now much less stressful for both of us. Curtis’ quality of life has improved significantly since we have been able to do Shared Living.”
To learn more about Shared Living and if being a Shared Living Provider is right for you, visit www.spurwink.org/shared-living, or call (207) 871-1200.