Should I live in a group home?

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The social workers came last week and, among other things, offered to match me to a group home.

Does anybody have any thoughts on that?

I thought you liked living alone.

Why would they recommend a group home?

Doesn't your complex have services?

I answered but it disappeared.

This is an awkward place to live. Lots of Alzheimer's and bullies.

But what is a group home like? Retired people in their right minds?

http://www.nbcnews.com/id/41353544/ns/h ... ChbbsmU7fY

In our town the senior center actually went through the trouble of screening people to put together an activity group for women who weren't really seniors, but couldn't work due to disability or family obligations. I'm sure the first criteria was weeding out the bullies.

I've worked in several group homes. They are all very different. It depends a lot on the staff and on the other residents.

Some of them are really beautiful places to live. Others are really stressful on some of the residents.

My advice would be to ask your social worker to look for you and to let you visit a few homes to get a feel for the idea. You can always change your mind and decline to move.

The down-side to group homes is that you loose a lot of control over your life. You're a bit at the mercy of the staff, and the staff is going to change. Best case scenario, you have a few core staff people who stay for a long time and whom you really like. You do continue to have rights as a consumer. Those rights are very clearly laid out, but it will be up to you to report it if they are being violated.

The up side is that most of them are nicer homes than an independent apartment. I've even worked in homes that have a pool. A lot of places eat dinner together, so you'll get that. Rides to appointments and recreational opportunities are easier to arrange. You have a built in social circle. It's just a lot more support than an independent apartment.

Ive lived in care for over 4 years just after i turned 18 i dont know much about you or where you currently live so i cant help you much i have went from living in a full blown nursing home to living in more supported living nursing and am currently back to that same home I was originally in. For 4 years it has been hell but now I feel more settled and calm content with where I am. Alothough as soon as a oppuntunity for my previous place could possibly be I would be straight for it !

I would guess that an apartment would be better if you like being left alone, while a group home is better for having a social life. The bully issue depends on management--really a separate issue.