[hamster-bamster]

I have recently started thinking about my later years when I probably would be on disability that would not cover more than rent, so my only solution would be a group home. Has anyone either lived or worked at a group home and can comment on its everyday life? Thanks!

[Chompers]

I have not been in a group home, or worked in one, but I was in a residential treatment program that was housed among a set of group homes. I wasn't in the homes themselves, but we all shared a lawn. Their checks went to the home & they got an allowance based on what was left after covering their costs, more if they were smokers. If they were smokers the home held on to their cigs for them & they were doled out for smoke breaks. Our breaks were more structured, but I do not know how often the GH residents were allowed to smoke.

They had activities, & the homes were fairly standard. These weren't very nice & the homes were a bit more institutional than most, but others I have seen from working in foster care were just like regular houses.

It isn't much information, but maybe it will help At the very least it should bump you up so maybe someone who knows more can see it.

[StaticRainbows]

I was in a group home a little over two years ago after a hospital stay. It wasn't horrible at all honestly like I thought it would be. The only down side really was having to share a room with one other resident and only being allowed 20 minutes shower time. Other than that we were allowed to go out an do our own things as long we went to group for a few hours and were home by midnight. We had a lot of freedom, staff to talk to if we needed it, and a stable environment. I hope that helped some?

[hamster-bamster]

Yes, sure, that sounds like - no so bad.

[Anneinside]

Don't eliminate the idea of living on your own. There are programs you could get into that would reduce your costs. One that I can think of right away is Section 8 housing. With it, your rent is subsidized with you paying 1/3 of your income for rent and the program pays the rest. You might also qualify for food stamps, medical assistance which reduces your med costs to $6 - $4 per med instead of what it costs under Part D Medicare. Also, if your income is low enough you can get your medicare subsidized so you don't have to pay the ~$100 from your check. There are a lot of resources available.