Group Homes

Many of Arizona’s vulnerable and incapacitated adults reside in group homes.  Group home placement may be made by Arizona’s Division of Developmental Disabilities (“DDD”), by private placement, or upon recommendation by a medical provider or case manager.

Care provided in a group home should be designated in a service plan, care plan or other document that describes the level of care needed.  Often, the group home is unable to meet these care needs due to staffing problems, financial restraints or other management problems that can lead to safety issues.

If you believe you or a loved one has been injured as a result of negligent care in a group home, please call Knapp & Roberts for a free consultation.

What Is A Group Home?

Group Homes allow elderly adults and persons with developmental disabilities the opportunity to live in a regular house in a community neighborhood with a small number of other individuals. Direct care staff is available 24 hours a day to provide the supports and training each person desires and needs. Nursing and social services are available on a routine basis as well.  Individuals are encouraged to be as independent as they can be by making as many choices for themselves as possible. Their health and safety should always be top priority.

Areas of support vary and are should be person-centered but often include things like :

• grooming and hygiene
• grocery and personal shopping
• housekeeping
• cooking
• laundry
• better communications,
• maintaining contact with family and friends
• ordering a meal in a restaurant
• using the telephone
• monitoring health concerns
• personal financial management

Participation in community activities and involvement or membership in community-based organizations is encouraged and facilitated to help individuals make friends and find people with similar interests.  Individuals living in group homes are assisted and should be encouraged to work, volunteer, or participate in some type of day program.  Living in a group home is very desirable to some individuals, especially those who enjoy being around lots of people. Individuals from large families and some individuals who have lived in large institutions seem to prefer a small group setting to living alone. Group homes provide should structure and routine in a friendly, homey atmosphere.