'Homebody" gives others a home
By Marcia Z. Siegal
When her first husband passed away, Bessie Williams remembers, “I was lonely and wondered what I could do.” A friend's suggestion led her to a new calling. As a domiciliary (dom) care provider, now she shares her home with physically or mentally disabled adults in need of a supportive living situation. “You have to have a love of people and to want to share in their lives on a daily basis," Williams said.
Now remarried, Williams along with the enthusiastic support of her husband, James, continues this work. The couple’s current household includes a 40-year-old man with Down’s Syndrome and a 50-year-old woman with bipolar disorder.
Dom Care is a state program, which is administered in Philadelphia by Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, PCA’s Dom Care program has provided more than 30 years of service to consumers. Through the program, PCA matches adults, who are elderly and/or who may have physical or mental disabilities, with providers who are willing to share their home and provide meals, housekeeping and laundry assistance, arrange transportation to medical appointments, and administer medications and assist with personal hygiene as needed. Most of all, they provide attention and support to consumers who might otherwise be living in an institutional setting, according to Jean Janik, PCA director of community living options. There are approximately 100 openings for consumers available currently, she said.
Consumers pay providers a monthly fee, set by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. PCA arranges the consumer-provider matches. Providers must pass background checks, meet home safety requirements, and participate in ongoing training. Once a living arrangement is established, a PCA care manager remains involved to monitor the situation and provide support. PCA providers are allowed to care for up to two consumers at a time.
Williams, who previously cared for seniors through the dom care program, says her life with her two current dom care residents has evolved into a pleasant routine. In the morning, Williams gets the consumers up, makes sure they are dressed, serves them breakfast and then sees them off to their separate day programs. When the consumers return home, “I make sure they have dinner. We go for a walk, watch TV, and then it’s time to get ready for bed.” Most important, are the talks they have. The two residents often see their family members on the weekends, go on outings, or enjoy other relaxing activities. James Williams, who works the night shift at a local hospital, is available to help out during his off-hours.
“We take great care in arranging the best possible provider-consumer matches,” Janik explained, adding that “There are providers who have been with the program all of its 30 years and consumers who have been with a particular provider 20-plus years.”
Bessie Williams knows what makes it work for her: When I was younger, I had four kids of my own. They grew up and moved out. I’m a homebody. I enjoy being home – this is my own little world…. The residents love living here. They enjoy the companionship. They like my cooking. We’re bonded, so we really are ‘family.’”
For information about becoming a domiciliary care provider, call 215-765-9000, ext. 4437. For domiciliary care consumer inquiries, call the PCA Helpline at 215-765-9040.