Community Living for People with Disabilities: Benefits of Group Homes
Living alone with a disability can be overwhelming and challenging. However, imagine living in a place where you’re surrounded by friendly faces, a place where help is always just a knock away, and where you can truly feel at home while having your own space and independence.
Sounds magical, right?
That’s exactly what the NDIS group housing systems provide for individuals with disabilities. And with access to the right disability services, you’re only a click away from experiencing this rewarding way of life.
You might not know, but group homes for disabled adults is a beautiful solution that allows participants to have a community to share laughs over dinner, make lifelong friends and feel supported in their life’s journey. But what exactly makes this NDIS housing option so special? Let’s see!
NDIS Group Homes
“Group Homes “ for people living with disabilities is a housing system designed by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) where persons with similar needs stay together to receive proper care and assistance. This category of support is for the daily assistance of residents in a group home. The support covers assistance like help with personal care, meal preparation, medication management and other activities necessary for day-to-day living.
One of the most impactful aspects of the NDIS in this housing system is the emphasis on choice and control. Participants have the freedom to choose their preferred group home.
Types of Group Homes
There are several types of group homes available for people with disabilities. These include:
Supported Independent Living (SIL) Homes
Supported Independent Living (SIL) homes are designed for people who can live semi-independently but still need some level of support with daily activities like personal care, household tasks, or medication management.
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Homes
Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) homes are for people with high support needs or extreme functional impairments. These homes are purpose-built with accessibility features like widened doorways, wheelchair ramps, hoists, and modified bathrooms to ensure the safety and comfort of residents. SDA homes are typically staffed 24/7 with skilled carers who assist with complex medical needs and daily living activities.
Community Residential Units (CRUs)
Community Residential Units (CRUs) are small, community-based homes for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. These homes house 4 to 6 residents who would live together as a household with the help of trained staff.
Transitional Group Homes
Transitional group homes are temporary housing options to help individuals with disabilities transition to more independent living arrangements. The goal of transitional group homes is to equip residents with the skills and confidence they need to live on their own or in a less supported environment.
Respite Group Homes
Respite group homes offer short-term accommodation for individuals with disabilities. These homes provide a safe and supportive environment where residents can receive care and engage in social activities while their carers take a break or attend to other responsibilities.
Aged Care Group Homes
Aged care group homes are for older individuals with disabilities who need both disability support and age-related care.
Mental Health Group Homes
Mental health group homes provide a supportive and therapeutic environment for individuals with psychiatric disabilities or mental health challenges. The residents in this home receive mental health support, counselling, and skill-building programmes.
Advantages of Group Homes
Social Connection and Sense of Belonging
One of the most significant benefits of living in a group home is the opportunity for social connection and community participation. It’s easy to feel isolated when living alone, but in a group home, you’re surrounded by people who understand your experiences and challenges. Living with others also provides emotional support. When life gets tough, it’s comforting to have people around who genuinely care and are willing to listen.
Supportive and Safe Environment
Group homes are designed to provide a safe and supportive environment where residents can feel secure and comfortable. In this housing system, participants can easily explore their independence with confidence since they know that help is always nearby.
Group homes also have safety features, such as adapted living spaces, emergency call systems and trained personnel, to ensure that residents are well-protected.
Shared Support Services
One of the practical advantages of group home living is access to shared support services. These services are tailored to each resident’s unique needs to ensure that everyone receives the right level of care and assistance. The shared support services allow residents to benefit from high-quality care that they may not be able to afford alone.
Financial Affordability
Living in a group home is often more affordable compared to living alone with private care. The participants get to spend less since they share costs such as rent, utilities, food expenses, and support services.
Conclusion
If you like this community participation NDIS plan or you just generally like to be around people of like minds in a safe environment, then a group home would work well for you.
However, it doesn’t end there! Choosing the type of housing arrangement that best suits you is a big deal, but deciding where to stay and how to choose a preferred group home can be a bigger deal. You may end up staying in a home that doesn’t necessarily suit your needs if you don’t choose wisely, so what do you do?
Going through the entire process alone is honestly very daunting, and this is where disability service providers come in. They hold your hand through the entire process and make sure you don’t get overwhelmed. They also ensure that you choose an option that best suits your needs and your pocket!
