At Sunny Haven, our Sponsored Residential Services provide a caring and inclusive living option for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through our statewide network of qualified Providers, individuals are welcomed into family-style homes where they can feel safe, valued, and supported. These homes are licensed under Sunny Haven’s DBHDS certification and meet all Virginia requirements, including 12VAC30-122-530 and 12VAC35-105, as well as federal HCBS Final Rule standards.

Our approach centers on the individual—each person’s needs, preferences, and goals guide the support they receive. We believe that meaningful relationships, supportive routines, and community involvement are essential for a fulfilling life.

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Home Model & Capacity

• Each Sponsored Residential home supports no more than two individuals at a time, which allows Providers to deliver truly personalized care and establish meaningful connections with those they support. This model promotes a sense of familiarity and comfort in the home, enabling individuals to develop strong bonds with their Providers and maintain a stable, nurturing living environment.

• The total number of people living in the home, including the Provider and any family members, may not exceed seven. This ensures a balanced household that can maintain individualized attention while still functioning as a natural home setting.

• Providers must complete a comprehensive screening process that includes fingerprint-based background checks, detailed reference reviews, an in-depth home inspection to evaluate safety and accessibility, and a structured interview process to ensure suitability. Additionally, Providers are required to complete initial and ongoing training in areas such as medication administration, person-centered practices, and behavior support.

• To ensure consistent quality and compliance, all homes receive quarterly visits from Sunny Haven Program Managers. During these visits, Program Managers review documentation, assess safety, address concerns, and provide direct support to Providers. Homes are also subject to an annual recertification process, which includes a full review of the Provider file, home inspection, and any needed updates to ensure the home continues to meet all standards.

 

Services & Support

• Individuals receive consistent, attentive care in a warm and familiar home environment that prioritizes comfort, stability, and belonging. Since the Provider resides in the home, they are naturally present overnight, ensuring continuity of care without the need for awake overnight staff. This arrangement creates a more natural rhythm and fosters deeper relationships within the household.

• Supports include hands-on assistance with daily living tasks (ADLs and IADLs), such as personal hygiene, dressing, meal preparation, household cleaning, laundry, shopping, and managing basic routines that contribute to overall well-being and independence.

• Medication administration is carried out responsibly by trained Providers, who also coordinate with medical professionals to ensure consistency in treatment plans and follow-up care.

• Individuals receive tailored support with communication needs, behavior strategies, emotional regulation, and daily routines, helping to build life skills, increase confidence, and reduce stress.

• Community involvement is strongly encouraged—Providers routinely plan meaningful outings like visiting parks, going to the library, attending religious or cultural events, volunteering at local centers, dining out, or browsing at shops and farmers markets.

• Transportation is included as part of the service, enabling individuals to access appointments, attend day support programs, run errands, and participate in recreational and social events safely and reliably.

• Every aspect of daily life is guided by the individual’s Person-Centered Plan and Individual Support Plan (ISP), ensuring that their goals, preferences, and routines are honored and integrated into the support they receive.

 

Provider Oversight & Documentation

• All Sponsored Residential Providers operate under Sunny Haven’s DBHDS license and are enrolled with DMAS for Medicaid billing, ensuring compliance with all state and federal regulatory requirements. This structure guarantees that Providers are accountable to high standards of care and oversight from the very beginning of their service.

• Sunny Haven is committed to supporting Providers throughout their service. Each Provider receives comprehensive pre-service training as well as regular ongoing education covering essential topics such as person-centered practices, documentation standards, medication administration, safety procedures, and emergency preparedness. In addition to training, Program Managers provide continuous support and supervision, monitoring Providers’ adherence to 12VAC30-122-120 to ensure high-quality service delivery and regulatory compliance.

• All homes are required to fully comply with the federal HCBS Final Rule. This includes ensuring individuals have autonomy, privacy, and meaningful access to their communities. Each home must demonstrate that individuals are making choices about their daily lives, including how they spend their time, who they interact with, and how their personal routines are supported.

• Documentation is a critical part of maintaining transparency and accountability. Providers are expected to maintain detailed and timely records, including daily progress notes that reflect support provided and the individual’s response, up-to-date medication administration records, behavior tracking and intervention logs as needed, and consistent updates related to the individual's goals and supports outlined in the ISP. This documentation not only helps monitor individual progress but also ensures continuity of care and compliance with Medicaid and DBHDS requirements.

 

Eligibility Requirements Individuals are eligible for Sponsored Residential Services if they:

• Are 18 years of age or older.

• Have a qualifying intellectual or developmental disability.

• Need 24-hour support in a family-based, non-institutional setting.

• Have an active Community Living or Family and Individual Support waiver

• Have an ISP that documents the need for this type of residential support.

 

We work closely with families and support coordinators to identify homes that are the right fit in terms of care needs, personality, and location preferences.

 

Residential Standards

• Bedrooms are private and designed to be welcoming personal retreats. Each room is appropriately sized to ensure individuals have adequate space for comfort, mobility, and storage of personal belongings. The room can be decorated with familiar items, photos, and preferred furnishings to reflect the individual's style and promote a sense of ownership. Sharing a bedroom is only allowed if both individuals agree and their preferences are documented.

• Bathrooms must meet privacy, cleanliness, and accessibility standards, with features that accommodate the specific needs of the individuals in the home. Whether shared or private, they must be equipped with safety supports and regularly maintained to ensure proper hygiene and comfort.

• Common areas such as living rooms, kitchens, and dining areas are clean, well-maintained, and furnished in a way that encourages relaxation, social interaction, and inclusion. These shared spaces are designed to reflect the feel of a true home, where individuals can enjoy meals, participate in activities, or relax with others.

• Providers offering transportation as part of their responsibilities must hold a valid driver’s license, carry up-to-date vehicle insurance, and utilize reliable, well-maintained vehicles. Transportation services may include rides to medical appointments, day programs, errands, and recreational outings, ensuring individuals are safely and consistently supported as they navigate the community.

 

Program Oversight

• Each home is assigned a dedicated Program Manager who plays a key role in ensuring high-quality, person-centered support. Program Managers complete three consecutive monthly oversight visits upon initial placement or enrollment to provide focused attention during the transition period. After the initial three months, they continue with quarterly visits to maintain consistent oversight and ensure the home environment remains supportive and compliant.

• Program Managers work closely with the Provider, Program Director, individual, family members, and the individual's support coordinator or case manager. This collaborative team approach helps ensure that all aspects of care and communication are seamless and that the individual’s voice remains at the center of every decision.

• Their responsibilities extend beyond basic oversight—they ensure the home maintains quality service delivery, provide support and coaching to Providers, assist in resolving challenges, and offer resources to enhance the care provided. Program Managers also thoroughly review documentation, observe the living environment, and track the individual's progress on goals outlined in the ISP.

• In accordance with Virginia guidelines, each Program Manager may oversee up to 15 Sponsored Residential homes. This manageable caseload allows Program Managers to remain responsive and attentive, fostering meaningful relationships with Providers and the individuals supported, and ensuring timely follow-through on identified needs or concerns.

 

Billing & Service Authorization

• Medicaid reimburses Sponsored Residential Services on a per diem basis for up to 344 days per ISP year, providing financial support for the vast majority of the service year. This allows Providers and families to plan for consistent, ongoing care throughout most of the calendar year, with the understanding that there are designated days not covered to account for potential hospitalizations, natural supports, or time away from the home setting.

• Providers must follow all state and federal billing guidelines precisely, maintain comprehensive and timely documentation, and ensure that services align closely with the individual’s approved ISP. Accurate records, including service logs, medication administration, community participation, and progress toward outcomes, are essential for Medicaid compliance and quality assurance.

• Room and board expenses are not included in Medicaid reimbursement and must be arranged separately through the individual’s income, benefits, or other private resources. It is the responsibility of the Provider to ensure that financial arrangements are transparent, properly documented, and in accordance with regulations related to income and representative payee procedures, when applicable.

 

Want to Learn More? Sunny Haven’s Sponsored Residential Services are available across many regions of Virginia, including Staunton, Augusta County, Rockingham, Harrisonburg, Waynesboro, Goshen, Stuarts Draft, Churchville, Lexington, Buena Vista, Lynchburg, Amherst, Madison Heights, Bedford, Forest, Goode, and Monroe.

If you are considering Sponsored Residential Services, we’re here to help. Our team will explain the process, answer your questions, and assist in finding a home and Provider that meet your needs.

 

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