Programs and Services 

Community Transition Services - SouthSTAR is committed to assisting individuals with developmental disabilities live in the least restrictive setting possible.  Therefore, Community Transition Services are provided to assist individuals in making the transition from an institution to their own home in the community.  These services provide assistance in the initial set up of a home for an individual that is moving from an institutional facility.  Such services include:

• Assisting with security deposits in order to obtain a lease on an apartment or home.

• Assisting with essential furnishings and moving expenses including bed, table and chairs, window coverings, eating utensils, food preparation items, bed or bath linens.

• Assisting with set up fees or deposits for utilities including telephone, electricity, heating and water.

• Assisting with health and safety assurance including pest eradication, allergen control or one time cleaning prior to occupancy.

Residential Habilitation and Support - In an effort to maintain the community placement, SouthSTAR will assist in the health safety and general welfare of the individuals so they live successfully in their own home.  SouthSTAR will assist in the acquisition, improvement and retention of skills necessary to support individuals to live successfully in their own homes.  Examples of the services provided in this program include:

• Providing direct supervision, monitoring and training to implement the Individualized Support Plan.

• Providing assistance with personal care, meals, shopping, errands, chore and leisure activities, and transportation.

• Coordinating and facilitating medical and non-medical services to meet healthcare needs, including physician consults, medications, development and oversight of a health plan, utilization of available supports in a cost effective manner and maintenance of each individual’s health record.

• Assuring that direst service staff are aware and active individuals in the development and implementation of the Individuals Support Plan and Behavior Support Plans.

Workplace Assistance - SouthSTAR Service will provide assistance to individuals in securing and maintaining employment within the community.  SouthSTAR works with employers to ensure successful on-the-job relationship and offer job coaching services.

Family and Caregiver Training - SouthSTAR provides training and education to instruct a parent, other family member, or primary caregiver about the treatment regimens and use of equipment specified in the Individualized Support Plan.  These trainings are utilized to enhance or improve the ability of the parent, family member or primary caregiver to provide the care to or for the individual.  Such trainings and education includes:

• Treatment regimens or use of equipment

• Stress management

• Parenting

• Family Dynamics

• Community integration

• Behavioral treatment strategies

• Mental Health

• Caring for medically fragile individuals

Rent/Food for Unrelated Caregiver - SouthSTAR will assist program participants for the additional cost an individual incurs for the room and board of an unrelated, live-in caregiver if the individual receiving these services lives in his or her own home and the caregiver is unrelated by blood or marriage to any degree.  Services include:

• Payment not to be considered income for the individual receiving services, payment for the portion of the costs of rent and food attributable to an unrelated, live in caregiver

• Room and board for the unrelated live in caregiver (who is not receiving any other financial reimbursement for the provision of this service).

• Room or shelter type expenses including all property related costs such as rental or purchase of real estate and furnishings, maintenance, utilities and related administrative services.

• Board – three meals a day or other full nutritional regimen

Respite - Understanding the time and effort it takes to care for a loved one with a developmental disability, SouthSTAR Services offers respite services for the temporary and periodic absence of the usual caregiver.  Services may be provided in an individual’s home, in the private home of the caregiver in an adult foster care home or in a Medicaid certified nursing facility.

Transportation - SouthSTAR Services provides transportation services in order to enable individuals to gain access to community and other services, activities and resources that are specified in the Individualized Support Plan.