Ohio Shared Living (OSL), also known as Adult Foster Care, ensures support for personal care and everyday activities for adults with developmental disabilities on the I/O county board wavier by a live in caregiver.  OSL is offered state-wide by all county boards.  We call caregivers in our program “Mentors.”  The goal of OSL is that the Mentor and the individual form a relationship, and the individual thrives in a family setting.  Also, the individual receiving services will benefit from community integration and activities with the Mentor.  A thoughtful and careful screening process will involve all parties to ensure a perfect match – the Mentor and the individual essentially choose each other during this process.  Mentors are still capable of working outside the home, and individuals have access to day programs, workshops, or jobs.  REM provides training and constant support for our Mentors.

Families taking care of their loved ones with developmental disabilities can be Mentors as well!  OSL ensures an individual stays in the comfort of their home with their family, while the family Mentor receives supplemental income for providing the necessary care for the individual.

Please feel free to reach out via phone or email if you have any further questions, or wish to refer an individual or potential mentor.  I look forward to speaking with you!

Sincerely,

Rachael Kahle

REM Ohio