[netsavy006]

Last week, I saw my case manager and she was talking with me a little bit about her recommendation for me to move into a Community Residence / Group Home Setting. Quite frankly, I don't know much about CR / GH situations. Is there anybody that does that could describe a little about what it's like? She and I are suppose to meet with mom about this and I want to be prepared with some knowledge from other people who either been in a Community Residence / Group Home, or have some knowledge about them. I understand that I will only get limited information because of confidentiality but please let me know what you can express to me. I thank you all in advance. You're responses are most helpful me.

Here are some questions I have if you can answer them:

1. Is it possible to move/level up from the Group Home?

2. My uncle told me that I might end up with possible roommates such as people who were past drug users or people with a criminal history. Is that true?

3. I saw my case manager Thursday and she told me that there is one, one town from where I live now which is a young adult group home, but she said it's hard to get into. Should I be concerned about that?

4. How many people are there usually in a group home?

5. Will I have my own room?

6. What are the benefits / risks of going to a CR / Group Home?

Thanks again,
Andy...

Hello, netsavy006. I lack sufficient knowledge to answer your questions. You can Google community residence or group home and visit the sites to see what services are offered. I expect you will see quite a bit of variance. Your concerns can be more easily addressed when potential residences and homes are identified.

Sorry I cannot be more helpful.

[Junerain]

I worked as a counselor in a group home. In my experience, they are not bad places, they can be stepping stones to where you want to end up in life!

People are usually very friendly and supportive to each other. There is a small chance they may have been past drug users or even possibly former criminals but don't sell the mentally ill population short- you'd be selling everyone on this wesbite, PC, short, and we are great people who have come through a lot with good hearts. I am mentally ill myself worked there with my own illness- we can still do great things and be great people!! The staff handles most problems that can arise.

You may have a roommate. You may have your own room. There are usually about twelve or thirteen people in a group home. These people can become great friends, you can learn a lot from each other.

It is possible that you have a curfew to live by, perhaps in by 11 p.m. and you may have to get your meds from a staff member, they may work with you to be self medicating and in charge of your own meds. There may be room inspections to see if you are being neat and tidy. You may have to help prepare a dinner for everyone on the night it is your duty to do so. You should be able to attend either group therapy or your job during the day, transportation should be provided. Your medical health will be well taken care of. You should have a small cash flow too, that they may give you or perhaps you earn yourself.

Hopefully you have a cell phone because you can use the group home phone but it is often busy and messages dont always get to who they go to.

You will be able to spend the week-ends with family and/or friends, use a 'pass' to leave on the week-end, or events during the week.

Lastly, you CAN move up and enter your own apartment, which is usually more affordable than trying to come with rent on your own, and at this point you would have your freedoms back. You move up in the system by being able to handle your health, if you achieve the goals/treatment plan your therapist provides.

I wish you the best of luck- this is not a death sentence..I feel you are growing as a person as you look into this!

[Catherine2]

Andy...hi
junerain gave you some wonderful information and I hope it helped you.
My own experience is a slightly different...our group homes are limited to 4-6 housemates. Different levels are achieved according to the resident taking his responsibilities seriously--carrying his own weight re doing fair share of chores, maintaining personal hygiene, school grades...things along those lines.
The ages are kept within 2-4 years if possible. Youthful offenders are allowed in the group homes if the offense was not of a violent nature.
A staff member is there 24/7 for help and guidance...

It's a wonderful way to learn social skills and become independent while working through your health issues.

My best wishes for this to be successful...and Fun for you.

In Peace