Foster Care for Adults with Disabilities
At RISE Services, Inc., we believe everyone deserves to live in a supportive, loving family environment. While many people refer to this type of shared living as foster care for adults with disabilities, our Adult Host Home program is a unique, deeply rewarding arrangement where a compassionate family opens their doors to an adult with intellectual or developmental disabilities. By becoming a licensed provider in Utah, you aren’t just sharing your space, you are offering stability, fostering independence, and providing the dedicated care that allows a unique individual to truly thrive in their community.
Contact UsHear from Our Host Home and Professional Parents
What is a RISE Adult Host Home?
Host Homes are family-based, semi-independent living arrangements where individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities can truly thrive. At RISE Services, Inc., we are proud to offer these valuable services, bringing more experience delivering these specific supports than any other agency in Utah.
While many adults with developmental disabilities are fully capable of living with varying degrees of independence, our licensed Host Homes step in to provide the steady care, personalized support, and long-term stability they need to find a true sense of belonging in a traditional family setting.
Why Choose RISE Host Homes?
With over 35 years of experience, RISE Services, Inc. is Utah’s trusted leader in the Host Home model. Families and individuals choose RISE because of our commitment to quality, consistency, and person-centered care.
- Continuity of Care: One dedicated family provides consistent support for daily routines, medications, and healthcare needs.
- Family-Centered Environment: Individuals are included in family traditions, activities, and everyday life.
- Personalized Support: Daily activities are tailored to each person’s goals, abilities, and preferences.
- Experienced Providers: Host families are carefully vetted, trained, and supported by RISE.
Who Can Become a Host Home Provider?
You don’t need a background in healthcare or a specific type of family dynamic to open your heart and home. RISE welcomes diverse, stable, and compassionate providers from all walks of life. If you have the desire to help an adult with disabilities build an independent life, you are likely an excellent fit.
Our primary requirements focus on safety, stability, and space:
- Age & Stability: You must be 21 years of age or older with a reliable, legally stable income source.
- Background Vetting: Everyone 12 and over living in your household must be able to pass a comprehensive background check.
- Adequate Housing: You can rent or own your home, including an apartment, condo, or house, but you must have a dedicated, private bedroom available for the individual.
- Health & Lifestyle: You must be in good physical and mental health, have reliable transportation, and be willing to work as a supportive team with RISE coordinators.
How to Become an Adult Host Home Provider in Utah?
Becoming a licensed provider is a structured process designed to set both your family and the individual up for long-term success. Because licensing relies on state guidelines and thorough preparation, the entire process generally takes between three to six months.
- Submit Your Initial Inquiry: Fill out our simple online Provider Inquiry Form. A local RISE Family Services coordinator from your regional office will reach out to discuss your interest, answer questions, and provide the official application packet.
- Complete Background Checks & Home Study: All adults in your home will complete mandatory background screenings. A RISE representative will also conduct a friendly home study and physical safety evaluation to ensure your living space meets standard compliance and comfort guidelines.
- Undergo Specialized RISE Training: We ensure you are never left guessing. RISE provides comprehensive, pre-service training, including CPR/First Aid and specialized caregiving courses, to give you all the practical tools and behavioral support strategies you need.
- Personalized Person-Centered Matching: Once fully licensed by RISE, our team utilizes a highly deliberate matching process. We evaluate the individual’s needs, personal goals, and interests to find a provider with a shared lifestyle.
Our Commitment to You: You are never alone in this journey. RISE provides 24/7 on-call crisis support, ongoing advanced training, and regular monthly in-home check-ins from a dedicated coordinator to support your household every step of the way.
What Additional Support Services Are Available?
RISE provides comprehensive wrap-around services to support both Host Families and individuals.
- Day programs
- After-school and summer programs
- Saturday activities
- Supported employment opportunities
- 1:1 staffing with customized schedules
- Behavior consultation and on-call coordination
- Overnight respite care for family breaks or travel
How Are Individuals Matched with Host Families?
At RISE, we believe the right match is essential to long-term success. Our thoughtful matching process prioritizes the individual’s well-being and future stability.
- Individual needs, preferences, and personal goals
- Cultural, racial, and religious compatibility
- Shared interests, values, and lifestyles
- Long-term compatibility and stability
How Are Host Families Vetted?
To ensure the highest level of care and safety, all Host Families complete a thorough vetting process.
- Comprehensive background checks
- Home studies and safety evaluations
- In-depth training and ongoing support
Our dedicated RISE team provides continuous guidance, resources, and oversight to help Host Families feel confident and supported.
What Are the Benefits to Individuals Living in a Host Home?
- A loving, family-centered living environment
- Inclusion in family activities, vacations, and traditions
- Personalized care plans that support independence
- Peace of mind for aging families
- Long-term, stable housing focused on compatibility and well-being
Ready to Make a Difference Alongside RISE Family Services?
At RISE, our Family Services division is dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities across their entire lifespan. We proudly offer Professional Parenting designed to provide stable, loving care for children under 18, in addition to our Adult Host Home program for individuals aged 18 and older.
No matter where you are in Utah, our dedicated local teams are here to support you every step of the way. We serve families, providers, and individuals in the following regional hubs and their surrounding communities:
Take Your Next Step Today
Interested in Becoming a Host Home Provider?
If you have space in your home and room in your hearts, you can change a life. Contact us today to connect with our Family Services team and find out how you can become a licensed host home provider.
Contact UsSeeking a Host Home for a Loved One?
If you are an individual, family member, guardian, or support coordinator looking for a safe, nurturing shared living environment for an adult with disabilities, we are here to help. Contact our Family Services Team to explore available host homes and start the transition process.
Contact UsFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A Host Home is a residential setting where an adult with an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) lives in the private home of a licensed provider. Unlike a group home setting, a Host Home offers a family-like environment. The Host Home provider offers 24-hour support, including assistance with daily life skills, medical coordination, and community involvement, ensuring the individual can live safely and successfully in a neighborhood setting.
While both models involve living in a family setting, Host Homes are specifically designed for adults who want to maintain a high level of independence within a family structure. Professional Parenting focuses on youth and children with intellectual or developmental disabilities, or medical needs.
Yes, Host Home services through RISE Services, Inc. are typically funded through the Utah Division of Services for People with Disabilities (DSPD) via the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver. We work closely with individuals and their Support Coordinators to facilitate the transition into a Host Home once funding is authorized. For families on the waiting list, we can also discuss private pay options to ensure your loved one receives the support they need.
Becoming a Host Home provider is a rewarding way to support someone in your community. Requirements include passing a comprehensive background check, completing a home study, and undergoing specialized training provided by RISE. Providers must have a dedicated bedroom for the individual and a commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment. Because we believe we are better together, RISE provides ongoing 24/7 support and training for all our Host Home providers.
We utilize a highly personalized, person-centered matching process. We consider the individual’s medical and behavioral needs, personal interests, and lifestyle preferences. We then look for Host Home providers who share those interests or have the specific expertise required. We facilitate “meet and greet” sessions and trial visits to ensure a strong, positive connection is formed before a permanent move-over occurs, ensuring long-term success for both the resident and the provider.
