In Australia, there are a number of group homes for people with intellectual disabilities. This article outlines some of the concerns about these facilities. It also discusses the cost of living in a group home, and issues with reporting abuse. It is an essential read for anyone interested in this topic. Also read about the Restrictive practices in group homes.
Group homes for persons with intellectual disability
Group homes are often the last option for people with intellectual disability. Adults with intellectual disability usually stay with their parents until middle age or beyond, at which point they are transferred to a group home. This transition from their familiar familial environment can be disorientating and can cause trauma. As such, it is not recommended that these individuals age in place, as their new home will be shared with other adults with complex needs.
Group homes must ensure that social inclusion is promoted within the home environment. In addition to offering the most basic support, they should promote an environment in which residents can interact with their neighbours. The research highlights the importance of staff-supported self-promotion, and collaboration around inclusion domains. Staff at these homes should seek to foster an equal partnership with residents, ensuring that residents have the opportunity to participate in decision-making and community building activities.
Restrictive practices used in group homes
Restrictive practices are any actions that restrict the rights and freedom of a care recipient. These practices have the potential to result in harm to a care recipient. Restrictive practices in residential aged care are considered to be inappropriate. New legislation has introduced the term’restrictive practice’ to replace the term’restraint’. The new legislation will also establish an Aged Care Clinical Advisory Committee. This group will advise on ways to limit the inappropriate use of antipsychotics and benzodiazepines in residential aged care facilities. It is vital for residential aged care providers to provide safe care to their residents.
Some advocates believe that restrictive practices in group homes should be minimised or completely eliminated. They also want greater transparency regarding how these practices are used. Furthermore, they think that more support should be provided to improve the quality of life of individuals living in the homes. Jane, a mother of an adult with a disability, is in favour of more balanced definitions of restrictive practices. She gives the example of a parent who is not permitted to use a seatbelt while using a wheelchair.
Cost of living in group homes
Until recently, government-funded group homes were the primary means of providing support for disabled people. Since then, most governments have transferred these properties to theĀ Group Homes Australia non-government sector, mostly non-profit organisations. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) also provides funding for people living in shared arrangements.
The NDS has also produced a number of resources to promote quality in group homes, including its Zero Tolerance Initiative and A Guide to Good Group Homes. We will draw on these resources in our submission. The landscape of group homes is quite different across jurisdictions, as the models and regulatory frameworks vary widely.
Issues surrounding reporting abuse
The physical environment of group homes can contribute to incidents of violence and exacerbate risks for residents. Small spaces, narrow hallways, and blind spots make it difficult for residents to escape quickly. Residents may also lock themselves in their rooms, leaving them vulnerable to harm. The suitability of group homes and their mix of residents can also play a role.
Mandatory reporting laws require certain individuals to report suspected abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities. The laws differ in different jurisdictions, but generally cover five recognised types of abuse. These include physical, emotional, and exposure to family violence.
Barriers to accessing group homes
Barriers to social inclusion include the lack of adequate identification, as well as unattractive environments. Many participants in the study were unable to form social networks or develop friendships with their neighbours without an ID. They also noted that the physical environment of group homes was unattractive.
Inclusion efforts are made easier when community facilities and activities are available. Social inclusion is a vital part of the experience of people with ID. The characteristics of group homes affect access to these facilities and activities and the development of relationships. Several focus groups identified location as a major barrier. The distance between the home and community facilities can affect the residents’ accessibility and cost of transportation.