Dom Care: Opening homes, changing lives
In Philadelphia, a unique living option is giving adults who need support a chance to thrive in homes instead of institutions.
PCA’s Domiciliary Care (Dom Care) Program connects adults, 18 and older, with community members who are willing to share their homes and provide daily support. Rather than moving into a facility, participants live in private residences, where they receive individualized assistance and become part of the household.
Dom Care participants may receive help with:
- Managing medications.
- Housekeeping.
- Sticking to a budget.
- Completing other tasks.
Each participant’s strengths and needs are evaluated. PCA care managers develop a tailored plan that emphasizes independence, safety and emotional well-being.
Home providers are certified caregivers who welcome up to two individuals into their home. Dom Care participants cannot live alone because of physical, emotional and/or cognitive limitations. But they do not need 24-hour, skilled nursing care. PCA carefully matches each participant with a provider who can offer both support and a warm, welcoming environment.
“Dom Care changes the trajectory of people’s lives,” said Shani Gilmore, PCA’s executive administrator of long-term care. “Instead of bouncing between unsafe or unstable situations, participants gain a permanent home, consistent support and a caring household. For some, it truly means the difference between having a community and facing the streets alone.”
The benefits go far beyond a roof and three meals a day. Dom Care encourages participants to stay socially connected. Engagement helps reduce loneliness and depression, which are common among people living in long-term care settings.
Activities may include:
- Joining in family activities.
- Pursuing favorite hobbies.
- Attending community events.
- Maintaining relationships with friends and relatives.
Many participants describe their Dom Care homes as places where they finally feel rooted. Providers often become like extended family members. They offer companionship, emotional support and a sense of stability that may have been missing.
The program strengthens the broader community. By offering a community living option, Dom Care helps ease strain on the health care system. The program allows adults to live with dignity in a home-like environment.
“Our goal is to make sure older adults feel respected, engaged and part of something larger than themselves,” said Joy Thomas, manager of Community Living Options at PCA. “Dom Care has helped countless individuals build new bonds and rediscover community, often at a point in life when they feared they might be completely on their own.”
Dom Care providers needed
PCA is working to grow the Dom Care Program so more people can benefit from it. That means recruiting additional certified home providers and raising awareness of the program across Philadelphia.
“Older adults deserve to know they can keep living lives that are full, purposeful and deeply connected to their communities,” said Thomas. “When someone chooses to become a Dom Care home provider, they’re not just offering a spare room. They’re offering stability, companionship and a chance for someone to feel truly at home.”
To become a Dom Care provider, community members must complete a thorough certification process. Homes are inspected for compliance with fire, health and safety standards. Providers must also:
- Obtain criminal history clearance.
- Demonstrate stable finances.
- Submit medical and personal references.
- Participate in ongoing training.
- Partner closely with PCA.
Once certified, care managers work with both providers and participants to make good matches based on preferences, personalities and support needs. They also stay involved over time to make sure the arrangement continues to work well for everyone.
Eligibility for the Dom Care Program is determined through a comprehensive assessment. Participants must receive Social Security or disability benefits, or have the ability to pay a monthly fee to their provider.
To learn more about Dom Care, become a home provider or enroll, call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040 or visit www.pcaCares.org/DomCare.
PHOTO CAPTION: Dom Care provider Coronica Sherrod (right) opens her home and heart to William Payne. PCA’s Dom Care program offers older adults a safe, family-like alternative to care.
