FAMILY + CAREGIVER SERVICES

Family support services assist individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities living with their families through flexible options that are directed by the family. 

Creating strong partnerships between Vinfen and the individuals we serve and their families is a top priority and is critical to the work that we do. Families are the most important resource of information, guidance, and valuable insight into how best to support their family members. We believe individuals and families should be at the center of decision-making regarding their services.  

FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER

The Family Support Center at Vinfen empowers and educates families who are supporting a loved one with an intellectual or developmental disability. Our Family Support Center resources include:






  • Information and referral including educational advocacy








  • Service navigation



  • Family trainings
  • Community connection and resources
  • Administration of flexible funding





  • Parent-to-parent networking




BELOW IS AN OVERVIEW OF FAMILY CAREGIVER SERVICES HERE AT VINFEN

At Vinfen, individuals and families are empowered to take charge over the types of support they need. Vinfen partners with individuals and families to provide this self-directed support through the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services funded program model, Agency with Choice . The model encourages the individuals and their families to be directly involved with managing their care. Vinfen is an experienced Agency with Choice provider and partners with families to hire the staff they choose to provide their services, and train and manage that staff person to support their loved one in a way that fits the family structure. 

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education / Department of Developmental Services (DESE/DDS) program serves participants referred by the Department of Developmental Services. DESE/DDS helps children and youth with special needs who are at risk of needing residential placement learn skills to support them to remain home with their families and to engage more in their community. Participants and their families can hire service providers and purchase a range of goods and services within an approved budget.

A Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) assists with behavioral challenges in the home and within the community. The BCBA will begin by completing a functional behavioral analysis and then develops a plan to assist with the current behavioral challenges. Families receive training and on-going support to implement the plan.

Adult companion services include supervision and socialization supports provided to an adultincluding assistance with meals and basic activities of daily living such as shopping, laundry, meal preparation, and routine household care. The service is provided to carry out personal outcomes identified in the individual plan that support the individual to successfully reside at home.

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