A group home is a living accommodation option for adults with disabilities. It is a structured and supervised residence model that provides assisted living. Group homes are designed for adults with intellectual disabilities and help to house multiple residents. They offer a safe, supportive living environment for adults with special needs, allowing them to live in a real community in a real house with a real continuity of people around them. The care in a group home setting allows residents to receive extra support in a community setting without sacrificing their independence. The size of group homes varies, but generally, they tend to be smaller than most long-term care facilities. Group homes offer personalized care to each individual, and staff members often have extensive first-hand experience with intellectual disabilities or behavioral disorders. Some benefits of group homes for adults with disabilities are:
- A homelike environment
- Access to many amenities, including social activities, recreation rooms, cooking facilities, transportation services, housekeeping staff, maintenance teams, and around-the-clock support
- Help residents stay active socially
- Provide personalized care to each individual
- Allow residents to live in a real community in a real house with a real continuity of people around them
Group homes may offer shared spaces for residents, and bedrooms may be private or shared with a roommate. People living in group homes may have significant difficulties performing activities of daily living (ADLs) . Examples of these essential daily activities include bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting. Group homes also help residents stay active socially, providing socially stimulating activities that keep residents engaged.