Daily respite services are provided in an accessible home for up to four individuals. Staffing ratios are dependent upon the number of persons staying in the home. During the daytime hours the typical ratio is 1 staff person for every 2 individuals supported. One awake staff is provided during the overnight hours, with a sleepover staff also scheduled when there are 3 or more individuals staying in the home who require assistance with ambulation.
Staff provide assistance with ADL's and IADL's based upon each individual's needs. Three meals and snacks are provided daily. Individuals routinely participate in leisure activities in the home at their choosing such as reading, listening to music, watching a movie with other individuals staying in the home, video games and a variety of other activities. The home has an accessible van available for staff to transport individuals supported into the community for recreation. Dependent upon staffing ratios, we may also be able to provide transportation to day programs and other activities scheduled during a person's stay.
Our calendar utilizes block scheduling: from Monday to Thursday (3 nights); or from Thursday to Monday (4 nights). Longer stays can be arranged dependent upon availability. Scheduling is completed quarterly, with slots available on a first come/first served basis.
Companion Club is an alternative to the 'typical' day program with a focus on community integration and aiding the individuals supported in building community relationships and developing natural supports.
Companion Club currently supports approximately 30 individuals, within two groups, who participate in a variety of community based activities of their choosing Monday through Friday during the day. Staffing ratios for this program are dependent upon the needs of the individuals supports - most individuals are supported with a ratio of 1 staff:2 individuals supported. Some of our participants do receive 1:1 support in order to help them engage in the activities offered safely. Companion Linc currently provides transportation for individuals living in Dakota County and the surrounding area.
Participants are provided a calendar with two activity choices for each morning and afternoon, selecting the options they prefer one month at a time. Activities offered include both indoor and outdoor community based options which are geared toward their interests. Activities are a combination of volunteer opportunities; tours; learning activities; and spending time at local parks, museums, malls and seasonal activities.
Our Employment Specialists support individuals who are interested in learning more about employment, seeking jobs or fulfilling employment related educational opportunities in the community. Employment Specialists conduct outreach within the individual's local communities to establish relationships with businesses and community entities, additionally reaching out to natural supports of each individual and their support team to develop opportunities for employment.
Utilizing the Medicaid Waiver Program for funding we provide three services:
EMPLOYMENT EXPLORATION: Introduce the individual to employment options and allow the individual to explore possibilities through work experiences to help them make informed choice about working in competitive integrated employment.
EMPLOYMENT DEVELOPMENT: Employment Specialists create individualized services, tailored to the person's dreams, goals and unique circumstances to help the individual secure competitive employment or attain self-employment.
EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT: Providing individualized supports that help the person maintain community employment and be successful in their career.
We provide Host Home services, in conjunction with licensed adult foster care providers, to individuals receiving services through the Medicaid Waiver program. Our Host Home providers are licensed foster care providers who focus on providing daily cares and helping the individuals work toward meeting their goals, while Companion Linc staff ensure that the requirements of the 245D waiver program are met. This balance seems to be a successful way of supporting individuals in a natural family setting and become valued members of their home and community.
We provide a variety of hourly services to the individuals we support in their home and local community.
Our Direct Support Professionals (DSP) assist individuals living in their own home, providing them with the level of assistance requested for each individual to be successful and to participate in daily activities with the highest level of independence possible.
Direct Support Professionals aid the individuals in improving their skills in areas such as cooking, budgeting, community engagement, personal cares, socialization/peer relationships, and preferred leisure activities. Schedules for services are based upon the individual's needs and within the time frames that the individuals choose to have supports.
These services are provided under the 245D waiver program or county funded services which include some of the following service types:
In-Home Family Support
Independent Living Skills Training
Semi-Independent Living Skills
Individualized Home Supports
Specialist Services
Supported Living Services (Hourly and Daily)
Respite (Hourly and Daily)
Companion Services
Personal Supports
Homemaker Services
24-Hour Emergency Assistance
