Creating family-style homes where individuals with disabilities can live, grow, and belong.

Shared Living is a residential support model where an adult with an intellectual or developmental disability lives with a non-disabled individual or host family in the community.

At MCS, we take care to match each individual with a home that fits their lifestyle, needs, and personality. Whether with an individual, a couple, or a family, Shared Living provides the stability of a home environment, combined with the support needed for safety, independence, and connection.

The program emphasizes trust, dignity, and inclusion, offering an alternative to traditional residential or congregate settings. Participants receive individualized assistance within the comfort of a family setting — not just where they live, but where they belong.

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Our Shared Living Program Offers

Home & Belonging

Provides individuals with disabilities the opportunity to live in a nurturing, family-style home where they feel secure, valued, and part of a household.

Meaningful Relationships

Focuses on fostering mutual respect, trust, and companionship between the individual and their Care Provider while supporting choice and self-expression.

Personal Growth

Encourages decision-making, daily-living skill development, and community participation through shared activities, volunteering, and inclusion.

Who Qualifies

To participate in the MCS Shared Living program, an individual must:

Be 22 years of age or older
Be unable to live independently due to a medical, physical, cognitive, or mental condition
Be currently eligible for and referred through DDS
Be willing to live with a Care Provider

The Role of the Care Provider

Shared Living Care Providers are the heart of this program. They welcome adults into their homes and daily lives — offering friendship, mentorship, advocacy, and care.

Care Providers receive a tax-free stipend and ongoing training and support from MCS, including 24-hour on-call assistance. More importantly, they gain the reward of helping someone develop confidence, independence, and a meaningful life.

Care Providers Must:

Complete an application, interview, reference, and CORI/background check

Be approved by MCS (not a family member or legal guardian)

Provide 24-hour supervision and daily living support

Maintain a private bedroom for the individual that meets safety and comfort standards

Supply meals, hygiene products, and household essentials

Our Commitment to Quality

MCS maintains the highest standards of safety and care for all Shared Living participants.

Ongoing Oversight: Regular home visits, RN check-ins, and team consultations ensure that supports remain responsive and effective.
Training & Development: Care Providers receive guidance on positive behavior supports, health and safety, and emergency preparedness.
Performance & Feedback: MCS conducts biennial satisfaction surveys with individuals, families, Care Providers, and staff, using results to inform continuous quality improvement.

These practices ensure that Shared Living remains a respected, person-centered option for individuals seeking both independence and connection.

Payment & Funding

Care Providers receive stipends based on Massachusetts DDS regulations. Payment begins on the first day Shared Living services are provided by an approved Care Provider.

Additional funds, as determined by the individual’s available benefits or representative payee, may be provided for personal needs and community activities.

Annual Surveys

Every year, MCS invites both Care Providers and the individuals they support to share their experiences through our annual satisfaction surveys. Their honest feedback helps us strengthen the Shared Living program and ensure every voice is heard. Together, we continue building a community where everyone feels valued and supported.

See Survey Results

Shared Living is more than housing — it’s creating a place of trust, care, and shared experience. If you’re ready to learn more, our team is here to help.

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