Choosing A Group Home
An Arizona Law Firm
Giving Voice to Those With Special Needs
At Knapp & Roberts, our lawyers have been helping victims of nursing home negligence for more than 17 years. We believe that when an opportunity to help people avoid tragedy presents itself, we take it. We'd like to take one now and share our thoughts on the process of choosing a group home.
Concerned about group home negligence? For a free attorney consultation — call us locally at (480) 991-7677 or use our toll free number: (800) 541-4477.
What Should You Look for in a Group Home?
Negligence in a group home setting can have disastrous consequences. Because of that, doing the homework before choosing one is essential.
One source of information will be the state agency responsible for caring for the developmentally challenged and for licensing these facilities. In Arizona, this is the Department of Economic Security's Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) or the state's Human Rights Committee. In Missouri, it is the Department of Mental Health.
Both should be able to provide you with the most recent inspection report and any previous complaints of group home negligence.
Visiting the home, more than once, can also yield good information. While there, keep in mind these questions:
- Does the home seem organized and clean?
- Do the residents appear to be well taken care of from a grooming and personal hygiene standpoint?
- Are the areas of support person-centered (grocery and personal shopping, housekeeping, cooking, laundry, using a telephone, etc.)?
- What services are provided to help residents improve their communication skills?
- Are residents encouraged to maintain contact with family and friends and helped to do so?
- How are health concerns monitored and medications administered?
Group home staff, hiring practices and staff training are also important. We suggest interviewing staff members about their long term care backgrounds and experiences caring for people with needs similar to those of your loved one. You should also ask to see available personnel files. These may reveal criminal records, long gaps between employment or excessive job changes that can indicate a potential for negligence.
Although the services and structure offered should be expected to vary according to the needs of the residents — health and safety should always be top priority. In addition, individuals should be encouraged to be as independent as they can be by making as many choices for themselves as possible.
Contact us to schedule a free initial consultation.
