As the parent of a child or adolescent with special needs, figuring out how to overcome challenges, keep up with medications and medical appointments, and provide opportunities for growth and development can be an all-consuming, lifelong journey.
Planning for the future may not be top of mind right now. In fact, planning for the next day or even the next hour may be overwhelming. Yet it’s important to hit the pause button to consider your child’s long-term goals, including what type of living arrangement will help them thrive in the future. In some cases, residential care is an ideal part of that plan.
Future Planning for Your Child With I/DD: Should You Consider Residential Care?
Residential care in a group home offers individuals with I/DD the opportunity to participate in their community, make independent choices, learn, grow and thrive in a family-like environment that supports their life goals.
Of course, the decision to explore residential care is enormous. Transitions are difficult for many people with developmental or intellectual disabilities. For that matter, transitions are difficult for the rest of the family as well. But it’s important to focus on long-range goals and begin paving the way for success.
Nearly one million I/DD caregivers in the U.S. are over age 60. A recent study revealed that their concerns about the future for their loved one include:
- Social isolation
- No other qualified caregiver in the family to step in
- A decrease in the level of support received
- Deteriorating health
- Abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation
A proactive approach to planning for the future is the best way to prevent such outcomes.
What Is Residential Care?
In a nutshell, residential care is a small, family-like group home that offers personalized support based on an individual’s particular needs. Trained professional staff are on hand around the clock to work with residents to set and achieve goals and to live as self-sufficiently as possible. Residents function as a nuclear family in which they develop social and problem-solving skills, enjoy companionship, and celebrate life together.
For Whom Is Residential Care Appropriate?
Each individual is unique, but typically those with the following types of intellectual or developmental disabilities thrive in residential care group homes:
- Epilepsy
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Down syndrome
- Cerebral palsy
- Cognitive difficulties
A good place to start is to contact a residential care home, like Abrio Living, for a consultation. You can explain the specific needs of your child and determine together if group home living will help them thrive when the time comes for them to leave your home.
Why Choose Abrio Living for Residential Care
Arizona families have been trusting Abrio Living with their care needs for more than 25 years. We have firsthand experience in caring for our own family members with I/DD, so we understand the challenges involved in long-term care planning.
With core values of service excellence, empathy, trust, integrity, and purpose, we treat your family as an extension of our own, with dignity and respect.
Our group homes are located in Phoenix, Glendale, and Peoria, Arizona, and we’d be happy to give you a tour at your convenience. Contact us at 623-289-2927 to learn more about resident care at Abrio Living!