Advantages of Group Housing for Adults with Disabilities

For adults with disabilities, achieving independence and a high quality of life is a goal that resonates deeply. While the path to independence presents unique challenges, there is a solution that has been changing lives across Australia and the globe, especially with recent improvements: group housing arrangements.

The many advantages of group housing for adults with disabilities include specialised support and care from experienced professionals with increased safety, security, and privacy. These innovative living arrangements are designed to empower adults living with disabilities by encouraging independence, enhancing social interaction, and providing personal growth opportunities.

At Maple, we understand the life-changing advantages of group housing and how it offers a renewed sense of hope and possibility to adults with disabilities. We want you to discover for yourself how these communal living environments enable adults with disabilities to lead more fulfilling lives, all while accessing specialised services and the necessary assistance to make your dreams of independence a reality.

What is Group Housing?

Group housing, or group homes, are living environments designed to provide housing options with support for adults living with disabilities who require high levels of assistance with daily living. Also known as residential group homes or supported living arrangements, these homes are typically smaller, community-based settings. A small group home usually houses around four to six people who live together and contribute to their local neighbourhoods, while receiving the necessary support and care.

Residents of group homes will have access to support staff who provide assistance with various activities of daily living based on residents’ unique needs and in accordance with their NDIS plan. Support can include help with personal care, medication management, meal preparation and more. Some group homes provide specialised services for adults with specific disabilities, whether that’s intellectual, developmental or physical disabilities. They also include safety measures and emergency response systems to ensure the well-being of residents.

While residents receive the support they need, the aim of group homes is to promote independence and autonomy among adults with disabilities. Residents are encouraged to participate in decision-making and daily activities to the best of their abilities.

What are the Advantages of Group Housing?

• Group housing offers an alternative approach to the institutionalised settings of the past, allowing residents to live in a more home-like environment while receiving the support they need to enhance their quality of life, independence and social integration. Some of the key benefits include.

  • Independence – Group homes provide adults with disabilities the opportunity to manage their daily routines, make decisions, and take responsibility for their own lives within a supportive and structured environment.
  • Specialised care – On site or readily available support workers can provide a tailored approach to each individual’s needs. This ensures that each resident receives the right level of care while maintaining their autonomy. 
  • Skill development – Opportunities in group settings for skill development are likely to arise such as cooking, cleaning, budgeting and personal care. Residents can learn and practise essential life skills in a safe and supportive environment.
  • Safety and security – Increased safety measures and emergency support systems are included in group home settings to ensure the safety of residents. This provides peace of mind to both the residents and their families.
  • Social inclusion – Residents have opportunities to participate in group activities, outings and community engagement which helps to promote social inclusion and creating meaningful relationships both within the house and in the community.
  • Supportive community – Residents often form close-knit relationships with co-residents and others in the community to socialise and share experiences with, and offer mutual support. This sense of belonging is essential for combating feelings of isolation and loneliness.
  • Family respite – Families of adults with disabilities can benefit from respite care with the help of group housing while ensuring their loved ones are receiving the proper care and support they need.
  • Small scale – Group homes typically house a limited number of residents to maintain a personalised and supportive environment.
  • Access to services – Often group homes can provide easier access to specialised services, therapy, and healthcare. Coordinated care plans and integrated services can be tailored to resident’s needs.
  • Privacy – Each resident will have their own bedroom within the group home providing them with privacy and personal space.
  • Accessibility – Group housing is designed to accommodate residents’ mobility and accessibility needs.
  • Visitors – Family and friends are encouraged to visit as and when they can, making a more homely environment for residents. 
  • Empowerment – Living in group housing empowers adults with disabilities to advocate for their needs, make choices, and take ownership of their lives. This ultimately promotes self-determination and personal growth.

  Cost effective – Group housing arrangements can be more cost-efficient than living alone or within institutionalised settings. Costs such as rent, utilities, and support workers can be shared among residents. This can make group homes the most financially sustainable option for many.

How do I find the right group home?

The right group home for you will strike a balance between providing necessary support and encouraging independence, personal growth and a sense of community for adults living with disabilities. Finding the right group home for you or your loved one with disabilities involves careful research, assessment and consideration of your needs and preferences.

We encourage you to:

• Assess your individual needs and long-term goals
• Research the available options in your area
• Visit and evaluate multiple homes to compare your options at your own pace
• Talk to other residents and their families about their experiences
• Review the policies and procedures of the group homes you’re visiting
• Meet with support coordinators in your area
• Become acquainted with the costs and funding options available
• Trust your instincts.

Maple Services provides quality group homes and Supported Independent Living arrangements to all adults who require any level of support in Australia. Our commitment lies in tailoring our services to meet the individual requirements of adults across a whole spectrum of abilities.

We specialise in creating welcoming homes where every person can create a fun and fulfilling future. Learn more about Maple’s Disability Group Homes or reach out to us directly if you have any questions about group housing for adults with disabilities.

Alternatively, if you are keen to explore our supported independent vacancies we provide supported living options and services throughout numerous suburbs in Sydney. In Western Sydney, we offer support in locations including Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Camden, Central Coast, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Hawkesbury, Hills Shire, Liverpool, Parramatta, Penrith, and Wollondilly. Furthermore, our outreach extends to communities in Bayside, Burwood, Canada Bay, Georges River, Hornsby, Hunter’s Hill, Inner West, Ku-ring-gai, Lane Cove, Liverpool, Mosman, Newcastle, North Sydney, Northern Beaches, Randwick, Strathfield, Sutherland, Sydney, Waverly, Woollahra.