By Dan Montgomery

Paul feels a bit like Goldilocks. He’s sure he would not fare well living on his own. He loves his independence, but he knows he needs a caregiver’s guidance and a well-planned schedule. He’s just as sure that a group home for adults with developmental disabilities would mean too much hustle and bustle for his taste. 

But life in Addie Ouhin’s enCircle Family Care Home? It’s just right. 

"She respects how I have my own interests and habits and that I like to do my own thing," Paul says. 

"Paul is amazing!" Addie says. "We got to know each other, and we got to that place where we both accepted each other. We both work so well with each other."

"He’s willing to do anything to make himself more independent, and I like that. I need to see that in a client, and I see it in Paul." 

One key to their just-rightness has been the development of a predictable, comfortable daily and weekly routine. 

"Autistic people need routine," Paul says. "We don’t like surprises." 

But Paul did not have a routine when he moved in with Addie last year.  

"In the beginning, it was hard to establish one, but we are here today, and from Monday to Sunday, Paul knows what he needs to do, and we are keeping up." 

Addie says enCircle’s Family Care Home program gives her the right balance of guidance and freedom for her and Paul to live their day-to-day lives. 
 
"I know I have a supervisor, I know where to go if there is an emergency, or who to call, but … I don’t have somebody on my shoulders, you know, managing my home." 

In other words, it’s just right. 

enCircle Family Care Homes 

Family care providers are paid to open their homes to adults with disabilities, helping them to live full, activity-filled lives and to pursue their own interests, whether that’s arts-and-crafts projects, outings with friends, or a job. Learn more.