Living with a disability or high levels of care and support needs can make it difficult to find somewhere to live where you can feel independent and comfortable. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t options available to you. If you want to live somewhere that will not only help support your needs, but give you the option to be a part of a community and live with others, then a group home could be the perfect solution for you.
If you’re unsure about what a group home is and what it’s like to live in one, we have the answers for you here.
What is a group home?
A group home is a specific type of accommodation that helps people with a disability, mental illness or other health condition to live together with the help of some care and support. These types of homes include houses and townhouses, allowing people to live together and enjoy the support and experiences of shared living. It’s a great way to help you maintain your independence and meet others while still getting your needed support.
How can a group home help you?
A disability can have a huge impact on how you live your life, but with the help of Australia’s National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), you will get the support you need. The scheme allows people to live together in shared accommodation, learning different skills that will help them live independently. This opens up a whole new world of experiences, and gives you more flexibility over where you live.
What are the main benefits of living in a group home?
Living in a group home can open a lot of doors. Some of the biggest benefits of disability group homes include:
Being able to choose where you live
A disability shouldn’t hold you back from living where you want to live. Living in a group home can help you live independently, giving you a choice of where you live, with the option of having support as and when you need it.
Receive care and support to help you live life to the fullest
Everyone’s situation is different, but the care you’ll receive with a group home can help you live life to the fullest. With a range of care available, from 24-hour care to drop-in support, you will receive care that’s tailored to your exact needs, so that you can focus on living your life.
Maintain your independence
Living in a group home will allow you to choose the level of care that’s right for you. Working with your care provider, you can design a care plan that gives you the support you need, ensuring your ideas and wishes are taken into account for a plan that works for you.
Benefit from personalised care
Disability group homes benefit from having friendly, experienced carers on hand to help you receive the personalised care you need. Care is tailored to each individual within the home, ensuring all of your needs are met.
Make friends and be part of a community
You may not have thought that living with others would be possible when you have a disability, but a group home makes this possible. Not only will you get to make friends but, there are a range of activities and programmes available to help you feel a part of a community and get the chance to enjoy a full, well-rounded social life.
Enjoy privacy when you need it
Living with others has its benefits, but everyone needs their privacy. You’ll be given your own private room within your group home so that you can have your own space.
Stay close to friends and family
A group home is different to other care facilities where there may be set visiting hours or restrictions on visitors. With a group home, there are no set times for visitors, so you can see your friends and family whenever you want, helping you stay close to them while still maintaining your independence.
Get the help you need to reach your goals
Disability group homes are dedicated to working with you so you can reach your goals. You’ll get support to further your skills, while helping you develop some confidence and resilience too. Group homes provide so much more than accommodation, and could be what you need to achieve the things you want to do.
Living in a group home will open a lot of doors, helping you feel a part of a community while enjoying your own personal space. Explore group homes near you to help you begin an exciting new chapter and bring a whole new meaning to independent living.
