Here are the Benefits of Group Homes for Adults with Disabilities

The act of day-to-day living is not always simple for a person with disabilities. At group homes, there is always someone to make sure everyone is accounted for, safe, clothed and appropriately fed. Many group homes also have a treatment team that can manage things like appointments, medication schedules, transportation and finances. This can be a huge comfort to the loved ones of a disabled person, who may want to support the disabled person’s independence but also want their loved one to be safe. But what about those who are actually living there? Some benefits of group homes for adults with disabilities are:  

A Homelike Environment

A group home is just that – a home. It may have rules about how it needs to run, but it helps disabled adults live in a real community in a real house with a real continuity of people around them.  

Peer Interaction

One of the hardest aspects of being disabled is feeling isolated. Sometimes it’s the unintended result of well-meaning loved ones who are merely trying to shield the disabled individual from the wrong kinds of attention. Living in a group home practically guarantees that a person does not isolate. The residents become their own special, supportive, community, there to help each other live more independent lives.  

Housekeeping Chores

Residents help with housekeeping chores based on their capabilities. In some homes, for safety, staff do most of the chores. Anyone, though, can do something, no matter how small a task, to contribute to the smooth running of the home. This helps engender a sense of belonging as well as empowering each resident.  

Outdoor Time

Being able to go outside without fanfare or a large production, even if it’s just to a backyard, has a number of benefits, not the least of which is getting good old fresh air. The change of scenery is a good thing, too.  

Medication Management

Almost everyone could use help with meds. Whether it’s one pill once a day, or a different combination of meds several times in one day, another set of eyes is often welcome to make sure everything is correct. Group home staff are trained to keep track of meds and monitor their administration.  

24/7 Supervision

People with disabilities, even adults, can often use extra help dealing with certain aspects of everyday life. Those who have physical issues only need help with logistics, such as getting from one place to another, grocery shopping, or house cleaning. Folks with mental health issues need subtle, tactful guidance with getting things done. Folks with developmental disabilities may need all the guidance and assistance they can get.   It can be hard for families of disabled adults to find the balance between providing them with the care they need while also allowing them the independence and privacy they deserve. When this occurs, it may be a good idea to look into a group home.  There are many benefits of group homes for adults with disabilities. It is important to make sure whichever home you choose is a space where you or your loved one will feel safe and dignified. A good group home is somewhere that is clean, in good repair, reasonably landscaped, and that it appropriately accommodates its residents (ramps and grab bars for handicapped residents, sharp objects put away in homes that cater to individuals with impulse-control issues, etc.). It also should have knowledgeable and caring staff who are familiar with the unique needs of that group home’s residents.  Thinking about a group home? See below.
Read more information for Arizona residents here.
Read more information for Utah residents here.
Read more information for Oregon residents here.