Adult Services
One Sky offers a variety of services for adults with developmental disabilities, individually tailored in conjunction with each person's circumstances, needs and desires. For most services provided by One Sky and our partner agencies, we offer two approaches. Individuals and families may select One Sky or an affiliated agency to manage services, while continuing to exercise choice in many areas. Or, those who prefer to take charge of their own budgets may direct the course of services themselves.
Service Planning & Coordination
Some adults find it helpful to have a variety of services organized by a Service Coordinator. Among the supports Service Coordinators provide are:
- To work with the person (and family if involved) to evaluate individual needs;
- To assist each individual to formulate a unique vision of one's life and goals;
- To coordinate service planning and develop a service plan agreement;
- To monitor and document services provided;
- To promote the individual's quality of life through strong advocacy;
- To assist in gaining access to community and financial resources
Adult Day Services
One Sky and its partners offer an array of community-based adult day services. These activities focus on:
- expanding community participation
- building social relationships
- strengthening vocational skills
- exploring individual competencies
Community Support Services (CSS)
CSS is an independent living program. Community Coordinators provide Service Coordination for people who can live independently or with minimal assistance. Tailored to meet a person's specific circumstances, CSS assists people to find housing or supportive roommates, maintain their homes, sustain good health, take advantage of services and become involved in the local community. A Community Networker helps people become involved in social, educational, and recreational activities. The amount of support ranges from one to twenty hours a week, depending on need. The program also offers:
- CSS Advisory Group: This group consists of people we serve who work with our staff to improve quality of services, hire new staff and plan educational workshops and social activities.
- CSS Theatre Group: This group attends an area theatre production monthly and is learning to be performers.
Eligibility for Community Support Services is determined in team meetings, once a person is found eligible for area agency services.
Shared Living Services
Shared Living Services pairs an individual with developmental disabilities with a home provider, an individual or family who welcomes that person into their home. The home provider assists, when needed, with meal preparation, personal care, access to health care, activities of daily living and social opportunities. All Shared Living Providers and their homes are thoroughly inspected, licensed and certified by the NH Department of Health and Human Services' Health Facilities Administration and overseen and supported by One Sky.
For more information about Community Support Services or Shared Living Services, or if you have an interest in becoming a home care provider, please contact our Director of Community Services.
» How to apply for services for individuals with a developmental disability
» How to apply for government benefits it you are an adult with a developmental disability
Future Services
One Sky is in the process of expanding its service offerings for adults. Please join us in sharing our vision of future services designed to meet increasing demand.
Services for Adults Living at Home
Family Services
Designed to improve quality of life for the individual and family and to maintain each family's right to identify its needs and direct how supports are provided. As varied as the families we serve, services and supports include:
Service Coordination
Information and referral to individuals and families who would benefit from ongoing help and support. Our Family Services Adult Service Coordinator understands the special challenges of caring for loved ones in the home as they age.
Family Support Advisory Council
The Family Support Advisory Council (FSAC) consists of volunteer caregivers from the communities of Region VIII who have family members with a wide range of disabilities living at home. The council meets monthly to help to identify and prioritize local families' support needs, and offer suggestions and financial assistance to families like their own. The Council also assists with:
Camperships: Financial assistance for structured summertime activities such as camps. Funding is limited and varies with availability.
YMCA Passes: Quarterly family passes to the Portsmouth YMCA are available at no charge.
Family Support Conference: The FSAC provides financial assistance to families interested in attending the annual N.H. Family Support Conference.
Disability Related Expenses: Funding available to assist families with expenses related to their loved one's disability.
Family Events: Social events for fun and for family networking. These include a fall hayride and pumpkin picking, and an evening of karaoke.
Respitality: A getaway for primary caregivers in the comfort of a host hotel. More than 4,300 New Hampshire parents have gained relief from daily demands through this program.
One Sky is fortunate to have guidance from the FSAC on its Board of Directors and Strategic Planning Committees. The FSAC meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at One Sky's office at 6:30 p.m.
Environmental Modifications
Adaptations to the family's homeor vehicle to ensure access, health and safety for the individual with a disability and the caregiver.
Parent to Parent Connections
Families connect for mutual support, information and understanding. One Sky seeks family matches locally or by accessing a statewide database. Once connected, families decide together how best to support each other.
Respite Care
Short-term relief for caregivers. Care may be provided in the home of the family or caregiver, or in the community. The number of respite hours varies depending on the level of complexity of the individual's care. Financial assistance is on a sliding scale. We encourage families to recruit their own providers, but will assist them if necessary.
To learn more about respite care, please contact our Respite Coordinator.
For more information about the above items, please contact a Service Coordinator or consult the monthly Family Support newsletter.
What One Sky has done for me: Michael's story