5 Things to Look for in a Group Home for Adults with Developmental Disabilities

5 Things to Look for in a Group Home for Adults with Developmental Disabilities

5 Things to Look for in a Group Home for Adults with Developmental Disabilities

Individuals with developmental disabilities can require various levels of care. In some situations, group homes for adults with developmental disabilities are an appropriate venue of care, but such facilities can greatly vary in the services they offer and their approach to adult care. However, for families looking to ensure the day-to-day needs of loved ones are met, there are some core characteristics that should be a part of a group home’s approach to the care of adults with developmental disabilities.

The Importance of Location

Depending on the needs of the adult who will be living in a group home, it might be necessary for the facility to be close to family members in the event of an emergency. It might also be prudent to look for facilities close to nearby hospitals or in private, low-traffic neighborhoods. If the individual living in the group home is also part of a supported employment arrangement, proximity to the place of employment might also be something to consider.

Experienced Staff

Adults with developmental disabilities can require any range of hands-on or supervised care. This requires well-trained staff with certifications in First-Aid and CPR. It also requires the necessary staff to client ratio to ensure everyone in the group home receives the proper level of care. Checking a group home’s licensure and record with the licensing board to understand any violations that might have occurred gives the families of potential residents a measure of the staff running the home.

Proper Accommodations

As important as the people overseeing the group home, it’s crucial that the group home meets the specific needs of potential residents. This can include wheelchair accessibility, accomodations in restrooms and throughout the house, sufficient living space throughout the house, and even privacy. All of these elements create a landscape that will be the foundation of residents’ pursuit of independence and personal growth.

Other Residents

The other occupants of the group home are a very important factor when considering if a facility is the right fit for your family member’s needs. When considering the other occupants, it’s important to find single-gender residences, and to take into account the specific behaviors, medical needs, and personalities of the other residents. The dynamics of the residents’ needs dictates the specialties needed in the staff, and can greatly influence the day-to-day living experience.

Community Integration

The goal of group homes and other associated support programs is to help adults with developmental disabilities manifest independent living skills and ultimately be able to participate in the community. Discovering if a group home supports community outings, activities, and other ways of assisting residents in achieving their goals are all paths towards the independence sought after by residents.

Residential Habilitation in the Heartland

Successful community integration and increased personal independence are the primary goals of the programs behind group homes for adults with developmental disabilities. Hands of Heartland supports our clients’ pursuit of a heightened quality of life through our comprehensive residential services, and our team of specialists can help you and your loved ones discover if any of our facilities meet your unique needs.

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