The Ultimate Guide to the Different Types of Group Homes
Group homes are often the best option for adults with intellectual disabilities who need a stable living environment. Group homes are also great for individuals who have developmental delays or behavioral disorders. This form of assisted living can be either residential, where people live in them full-time, or non-residential, which offer daytime or evening care. This article will go over some of the different types of group home placements available to those with special needs and what you should expect from each one!
What Is A Group Home
Unlike foster care or assisted living for older people, a group home is specially designed for adults with intellectual disabilities and helps to house multiple residents. A group home will blend in well within the community, allowing residents to feel connected to their local neighborhood and able to socialize with others around them. This level of assisted living aims to empower those individuals to gain more independence and learn how to care and look after themselves whilst also being able to assess help if needed.
A group home almost acts as a mini-community that residents can rely on, should they need additional support, whether it be physically or mentally. Group homeresidents typically live in a shared house and receive support from trained and experienced staff members, who will work in shifts so that care is available 24/7. This gives relatives of group home residents peace of mind that their loved ones will not be left completely alone. There are thousands of group homes across the United States, each helping residents to get back on their feet and become part of a community.
Who Qualifies For This Type Of Assisted Living
Group homes are typically for adults with developmental disabilities and behavioral issues. They may also be used as a transition place before the individual is able to live completely on their own. Some residents may be mentally disabled, whereas others could suffer from substance abuse. Assisted living can also help those who are physically disabled and struggle to care for themselves. When foster homes become overcrowded, group homes can be used to house teenagers while they receive support and therapy.
What Is It Like Living In A Group Home?
Group home residents have access to many amenities, including social activities, recreation rooms, cooking facilities, transportation services, housekeeping staff, maintenance teams, and around-the-clock support. Group homes offer a safe, supportive living environment for adults with special needs. Some rooms are private, whereas others can be shared. There are communal areas where residents can relax, enjoy hobbies or watch TV. Usually, a group home will have around 6 to 8 residents under one roof and around two members of staff. This is a safe environment where adults are able to improve their quality of life with help when they need it.
Different Types Of Group Homes
It can be difficult to find a group home for adults with intellectual disabilities in the US. There are many different types of group homes available, and each one has its own unique set of benefits and drawbacks. The best way to find a group home that meets the individual's needs is to do some research online or speak to a specialist. You should consider the type of intellectual disability the individual has, to understand the right level of care and support that they will need.
Some homes are small, which means that they can offer personalized care to each individual. Group home staff members often have extensive first-hand experience with intellectual disabilities or behavioral disorders, so they know how best to support residents on a daily basis. Other homes are specially designed for adults with behavioral issues such as aggression. In this type of group home, staff will be providing an ongoing treatment plan in order to work on this behavior and help residents develop coping mechanisms. But each one will tend to fit into the following category of group home.
1: Developmentally Disabled
This type of residence is designed for permanent disabilities that may cause mental and physical problems. Residents often will struggle to live on their own and look after themselves. Developmentally disabled group homes will offer care and support whilst also respecting individual wishes to learn how to care for themselves and carry out certain daily tasks. Assisted living combines professional care with person-centered support. Residents can enjoy onsite activities, outings such as bowling, dining out, and shopping, as well as life skills training to help encourage independence.
2: Youth Homes
For teenagers who have been abused, neglected, or have run away from their family home, they can find sanctuary at a youth home. Since this type of home is looking after minors who may be vulnerable, there will be rules in place to keep them safe. This may involve a curfew as well as restricting visitors. This type of group home won’t necessarily home individuals who have permanent disabilities, as staff may not have the appropriate level of experience to offer them the right care.
3: Substance-Abuse Recovery
When someone has become addicted to a substance, whether it’s alcohol or drugs, they may be referred to a substance-abuse recovery home once they are clean. Designed to help individuals break the habit and learn how to avoid situations that could encourage them to reuse, this type of home will have highly experienced carers able to understand what the residents are going through and how to spot red flags.
4: Low-income Group Homes
Some group homes in the US are focused towards families who are struggling financially. From single mothers who are unable to make enough money to cover their bills to older members of the community who cannot afford healthcare, low-income group homes can provide a financial safety net and safe place to live.
At Provident Life Inc, we are committed to providing high-quality residential group homes for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We believe that providing support and assisted living helps our residents to reach their goals, dreams and desires. We focus on providing person-centered care, respect, and equal opportunities. For more information about Provident Life group homes, please feel free to reach out to our team today.