Knoxville, Tennessee865-659-8279d.byerley@hiucare.com
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Family Model Providers

Share your home. Change a life. We’re right beside you.

A Family Model Provider (FMP) welcomes an adult with an intellectual or developmental disability into their own home as part of everyday family life. You bring the warmth. We bring the training, the support, and a team that picks up the phone.

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Good fit?Our supportRequirementsStepsFAQ
Illustration: a heart-and-house shape, matching the Hands In Unity logo, filled with small pictures of adults with disabilities and their caregivers cooking, gardening, walking, shopping, doing a puzzle and sharing a meal.
Licensed and contractedTennessee Department of Disability and Aging (DDA, formerly DIDD)
HCBS rights come firstPrivacy, choice, and community life
Small by designNo more than 3 people per home
Your privacy mattersWe never ask for medical details on public forms. Privacy
Who’s a good fit

You don’t need a special background, just a big heart and a steady home.

FMPs are empty-nesters, couples, single adults, and families of all kinds. What they share is a home that’s ready for one more.

Patient and kind

You enjoy people and stay calm when plans change.

Believes in independence

You help someone do things for themselves, not just do things for them.

Connected to your community

You’re happy to share church, clubs, errands, and neighborhood life.

Room to share

You have space where someone can have their own privacy.

Our support & training

You’ll never do this alone

Training before your first match

We schedule and help you complete the training HIU and DDA require.

Help with every step

We help with checks, paperwork, and getting your home ready for inspection.

Thoughtful matching

We help you meet people who fit your home. You decide who to welcome.

Regular visits and check-ins

Our team stays in touch through phone calls and home visits.

Someone to call

Call the office when questions come up.

The HIU provider app

Track your credentials, submit forms, and get updates, all from your phone.

Requirements checklist

What you’ll need

These come from Tennessee’s requirements for Family Model services. We’ll help you through each one.

Not sure about something on this list? Ask us. A quick call can answer most questions:865-659-8279
  • You’re at least 18 years old
  • You can read, write, and speak English well enough to keep records and follow instructions
  • You pass a criminal background check
  • You’re not listed on the Tennessee Abuse Registry or the Sexual Offender Registry
  • You haven’t been excluded from Medicare or Medicaid
  • If you’ll drive: a valid driver’s license and auto liability insurance
  • You live in your own home (owned or rented), and it passes a home study and inspection
  • You complete the training HIU and DDA require before your first match
  • You aren’t a family member of the person you’d support
Your path to a first match

From “I’m interested” to “Welcome home”

Every step happens before anyone moves in.

  1. 1

    Call or email us

    Tell us a little about yourself at 865-659-8279 (TRS: 711) or d.byerley@hiucare.com.

  2. 2

    Talk with our team

    A friendly call to answer your questions and see if it feels right.

  3. 3

    Apply

    Complete the full FMP application online.

  4. 4

    Background and registry checks

    We guide you through each required check.

  5. 5

    Home study and inspection

    We make sure your home is safe and ready before anyone moves in.

  6. 6

    Training

    Required training, scheduled with you.

  7. 7

    Matching

    Meet people who may be a good fit. Everyone gets a say.

  8. 8

    Ongoing support

    Visits, check-ins, and our provider app.

FAQ

Questions people ask us

Do I need to own my home?

No. You can own or rent, as long as it’s the home you live in. Family Model agencies, including HIU, don’t find, buy, or lease homes for providers. Your home will need to pass a home study and inspection before anyone moves in.

How many people can live with me?

No more than 3 people receiving Family Model services can live in the home. That maximum applies no matter which program they use.

Can I support my own family member?

No. A mother, father, grandparent, sister, brother, son, daughter, or spouse — by blood, marriage, or adoption — can’t be paid to provide Family Model services.

Do I get to choose who moves in?

Yes. Matching goes both ways. You meet people who may be a good fit, and you decide who to welcome. The person looking for a home chooses, too.

Can I keep my job?

We don’t have a confirmed policy to publish yet. This is being finalized. Call 865-659-8279 with questions.

What about vacations and time off?

Ask us about coverage when you need time away. We won’t describe a backup plan until that policy is confirmed. This is being finalized. Call 865-659-8279 with questions.

How long does it take to get started?

The time from your first call to a first match varies. Every step happens before anyone moves in. This is being finalized. Call 865-659-8279 with questions.

Ready when you are

Apply now, or start with a quick question

The full application opens in Jotform in a new tab. Not ready yet? Call 865-659-8279 (TRS: 711) or email d.byerley@hiucare.com.

Open the FMP application (opens in a new tab)
Or call us: 865-659-8279

d.byerley@hiucare.com