Beaverbrook STEP, Inc.

Beaverbrook STEP provides residential support services to adults with mental retardation in a variety of settings ranging from intensely staffed 24 hour sites to independent living situations. The people we assist have a wide range of abilities, needs and interests. Sites specialize in areas such as:

• Alzheimer's

The men and women living in this home have diagnoses of mental retardation and Alzheimer's Disease. This home provides a comprehensive array of services (including management of medical care), as well as, environmental and multi-modal communication features which ensure optimal functioning in the face of declining skills. As a result, those who live here are able to experience life-long dignity and security.

• Assisted Living

Beaverbrook STEP provides services to individuals who live in apartments at Brigham House, an assisted living facility located in Watertown. Many of the men and women who reside at Brigham House had lived in area nursing homes until lawsuits mandated that individuals with mental retardation be provided housing options in the community. Others lived in staffed apartments but were in need of specialized services addressing their increased aging, medical and mobility needs. In this unique service model, Beaverbrook STEP provides 24 hour staff coverage, supplementing the services available at the assisted living facility. This setting provides built-in supports while enabling the residents to maintain their independence as they age.

• Behavioral Supports

The individuals living in these homes benefit from specialized supports designed to minimize behavioral challenges, while enhancing communication and basic life skill development. In addressing challenging behaviors, the support team develops highly structured and individualized interventions. Staff serve as role models, demonstrating appropriate behavior for those who live in these residences. As a result of individualized behavioral interventions, intensive staff support, and role modeling, these men and women are able to successfully participate as active members of their communities. As these homes are often the first community living experiences for these individuals (many have graduated in recent years from residential schools), a strong emphasis is placed on community involvement. When necessary these individuals also receive significant support and assistance regarding complex medical issues as well. The proximity of these sites facilitates the sharing of resources, thus enhancing the services provided at each of these homes.

• Cooperative Living

These homes provide support to young men and women with varying abilities and needs. They, along with their family members, determine the kinds of supports, as well as, the number of hours of service they receive. Non-disabled persons also live in these homes as shared living providers. Though these individuals often have the skills to live on their own with case management services, they prefer living with a group of young people in a cooperative setting in which they receive mentoring and support from peers and shared living providers.

• Shared Living

Beaverbrook STEP provides support to several men and women who live with shared living providers. These are living situations in which an individual shares a home with one or more non-disabled persons, enjoying the benefits and responsibilities of life-sharing with maximum self-determination, choice, and control. The relationship between the shared living provider and individual is a mutually beneficial one in which each is seen as having unique gifts to offer the relationship and the household. Shared living providers receive a stipend in exchange for providing the support needed for the individual to live successfully in the community. Beaverbrook STEP staff provide support to the household in areas negotiated between all parties, such as medical appointments, community membership, and coordination of respite.