Some Facts On Group Homes For Developmentally Disabled Adults

By Edna Booker


There are a significant number of persons in the general population living with developmental disability. Illnesses commonly associated with these disabilities include cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and autism among others. A personal with mental disability finds it difficult to live comfortably with the general population because of the special needs that they need. Cases of stigmatisation are common. There are many group homes for developmentally disabled adults that may help with these cases.

One of the biggest challenges that persons with the developmental disability is the fact that they cannot take care of simple tasks relating to personal care. This includes grooming, feeding, using the toilet and other survival skills. There is a heavy dependence on other family members which may result in inconveniences and friction among the family members.

You can enrol a relative into any of these homes for a fixed period of time or for an unspecified duration. The duration is dependent on the severity of the condition and how quickly they respond to the therapeutic interventions advanced towards them. Do not need to be in a hurry to get them out of the home; wait until they are ready.

The success of the program is determined by, among many other factors, a healthy relationship within the family. Sending a person to a group home should not be a way of getting rid of them. It is important to organise regular visits as a show of solidarity. Additionally, these visits are an opportunity to assess any gains that have been made. Identifying an accessible group home becomes very important in this regard.

Ensure that the chosen facility is licenced to carry out its operations. The authority responsible for the licensing is the Department of Human Services. Since there are different types that exist with some differences on the range of services offered, there is a need to compare several of them first. Some persons may have a medical condition coexisting with the developmental abnormality. If this is true for your case ensure that it can be handled in the home.

Each residential unit is required to have a day activity centre. Day activities are designed to help patients undergo mental training and acquire survival skills. There is also a need to have patients undergo vocational job trainings or placement services. When properly implemented, this activities help with growth of the individuals and their subsequent integration into the community.

Most persons living with developmental disability are just as talented as everyone else. The only challenge is that they do not have an opportunity to discover these talents. Enrolling into the homes provides this opportunity and opens up a world of opportunities to the disabled individuals. Some even secure normal employment and can work alongside their colleagues albeit with some challenges.

Developmental disability is usually associated with significant limitation in carrying out simple tasks. Some of these tasks are essential for survival meaning that people with the disabilities often need assistance to carry them out. Sending such a person to a group home should be viewed positively as it provides an opportunity to lead a better life.




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