Companion Home Provider


Companion homes are established in typical family settings. Each companion home composition is unique and based on mutual agreement between you and the individual you are working with. You may live alone or have a family. You may live in the city or the country. You may have pets. You may even hold a job. Your home is the perfect home to be a companion home.

Companion homes are based on an adult foster care model where a long-lasting relationship between the individual being supported and the provider is built. An individual with developmental disabilities age 18 or older lives in the home with you and receives 24-hour support and supervision.  When you need a break, short term relief (often known as respite) is available to you.

 

“The Companion Home provider can give their client the ultimate inclusion into family and community with love and acceptance.”

—Elena R., Companion Home Provider

 


DDA Companion Home Provider FAQ

To qualify as a companion home you need to:

  • Be 21 years or older
  • Have a high school or GED diploma
  • Be able to pass a background check
  • Be willing to share your home with an individual that wants to live with you

As a companion home provider, you will work with the case manager, individual and other important people in the individual's life to participate in service planning and goal setting.

You support the individual to learn life skills, such as:

  • Menu planning and cooking
  • Shopping
  • Bill paying
  • Social activities
  • Hygiene
  • Medical appointments and medication management
  • Creating meaningful connections with others

Companion home providers hold a business license and contract with DSHS’s Developmental Disabilities Administration as independent contractors.

  • You will be reimbursed a daily rate based on the individual’s needs for the support you provide. Companion home services are built on an adult foster care model and companion home providers qualify as foster care providers in Publication 525. Reimbursements are considered a difficulty-of-care payment and are tax exempt to the extent allowed in Publication 525.
  • In addition to the reimbursement paid by DDA, the individual you work with will pay you room and board based on the agreement you sign with the individual.

What training do I need to complete to become a companion home?

You will need to complete 75 hours of training approved by DSHS. A DDA professional will help you through the steps of completing training.  Training can be completed quickly, and you can work while pursuing your training requirements. Most of the training material is available online, so you can work at your own pace and time.

  • 70 hours – Community Residential Services training
  • 5 hours- Orientation and Safety 

You will be required to complete 12 hours of continuing education thereafter.

Learn More

Training requirements

In a few simple steps, you can become certified and contracted as a companion home. You will receive professional guidance along the way and support with any questions you have. Each companion home situation is unique, and the department is flexible on helping you meet certification and contracting requirements.

Step 1: Contact a DDA Professional

You may work with the DDA professional in your county listed below, or  with a resource manager at your local DDA office.

Contacts by County

Counties: Adams, Asotin, Benton, Chelan, Columbia, Douglas, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, Walla Walla, Whitman, Yakima

Heather McDonnell
heather.mcdonnell@dshs.wa.gov
509.480.9458
1002 N 16th Ave
PO Box 12500
Yakima WA 98909-2500

Counties: Island, King, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, Whatcom

Wesley Fullerton, Resource Manager Supervisor
wesley.fullerton@dshs.wa.gov
425-583-8632
840 N. Broadway, Building B., Suite 540
Everett, WA 98201

Counties: Clallam, Clark, Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, Kitsap, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, Skamania, Thurston, Wahkiakum

Jennifer Barr, Resource Manager Supervisor
jennifer.barr@dshs.wa.gov
360-798-6981
907 Harney St., Suite 200
Vancouver, WA 98660

Step 2: Complete an interview with a representative of DDA

Step 3: Complete training requirements