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HOUSING OPTIONS WITH INNOVATIVE ELEMENTS
'ROUP (OMES
Group Home Model for John John loves the group home where he has lived for 10 years.
Group homes or community residences are homes shared by residents who receive services from an agency that provides on-site staff 24 hours a day. A provider agency operates a licensed group home, typically serving four to six residents with disabilities. As is the case with many housing options, the makeup of the residents in the group home model may change over time requiring individuals to adjust to housemates leaving and moving into their home.
Three other men in the home have become his friends. John likes the camaraderie. He also likes having peers with whom he can socialize. They share household responsibilities, take turns cooking, and enjoy eating several meals together each week. Sometimes they quarrel about things but most of the time John likes their companionship. When John prefers time to himself, his own bedroom offers the privacy that he wants. John has many interests. He bowls on a team each week with friends from work. John grew up in the town where the group home is located. He stops by the local firehouse on Saturday mornings. He knows many neighbors and shopkeepers. John visits the library frequently to learn about local history. He is conversant about the U.S Presidents who summered at the Jersey shore. John’s reading ability is limited so a library volunteer reads the reference books to him. John has intensive support needs and requires assistance with everyday activities. For example, staff are available throughout the day and night to assist him with basic skills of daily living like toileting, bathing and dressing. Frequently, his medical needs become more acute. A nurse visits him on a daily basis. In extreme wintery weather or when ill, John’s mobility is limited. In these instances, he particularly appreciates the staff support that he receives and enjoys the company of his housemates.
)NTENSIVE 3PECIALIZED 'ROUP (OMES
Intensive Specialized Group Home Model: Walter’s Home
Walter lived in an apartment with supportive services. He was reclusive, angry and isolated. When support staff arrived, Walter demonstrated aggression towards them. He became aggressive by throwing rocks. Since the program was not equipped for these types of challenges, the staff would respond by leaving without an in- person visit. As a result of being left on his own and without the appropriate support structure, his life consisted of microwave foods and non-stop television. His inconsistent personal care created a serious health concern. He barely slept and paced the house throughout the night. He stopped taking his psychotropic medications and began to decompensate. His family felt helpless as a result of his disruptive behaviors. Because of this, they also were not able to visit him for several years. They located an agency that specialized in serving individuals with complex medical and behavioral challenges. Walter visited their group home and agreed to move there. The agency prepared for Walter’s needs by providing structure and consistency. The agency developed a program with additional clinical support to assist with his transition. They anticipated this to be an extremely challenging transition, since Walter was not accustomed to having this type of structure in his daily routine. Walter adjusted quickly and responded well beyond anyone’s expectations. The successful transition led to a very quick, but systematic fading of the enhanced supports and allowing him to generalize into the existing program. With healthy meals and meaningful vocational and recreational activities, Walter felt better. His sleep patterns returned to normal. Walter became close friends with one of his housemates. They both enjoy NBA basketball and attend some of the 76er’s home games.
Individuals with significant medical, intellectual, behavioral or psychiatric needs may require intensive staff supports throughout their day. One model to meet these needs could be an intensive treatment group home with professional supports such as nursing, applied behavior analysis, counseling and therapeutic ancillary services. The primary goal of the intensive specialized group home is to provide needed clinical supports and prepare the individual for a less restrictive living model.
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