Choice at Home

By John Rainville

Group Home A

The admin would take us residents bowling and have BBQs at the house. The staff would put our laundry in the washing machine for us and then they would fold our clothes as well. As for myself, I would do my own laundry if I had no work or nothing to do. When it was time to eat we could eat what was on the menu or have a choice of what to eat. The staff would either cook for us or we could do takeout or order food from DoorDash. For breakfast, we could eat what's on the menu or the staff would give us residents a choice. For example, for dinner, we could go to either McDonald's or any restaurant of our choice. At the group home you had freedom to go where you want and when you want with the recommendation that you are back by dark. You had the right to leave whenever you want as long as you let a staff member know where you are going.You are allowed to have visitors as long as you are not causing any disturbance to other residents.

Group home B

In Group Home B, I was not able to have any visitors and I had to do my own laundry. I had to pay for everything, not like Group Home A. With Group Home B you would have to eat what's on the menu. They go strictly by the books and wouldn’t listen to us residents about our preferences. It was their way or the highway. 

For those who are reading my blog, please do your homework and ask questions. For Example “Is this group home licensed by the state or DHS/CCL?” and “How do you offer choice to the residents?”.

With that said, the home and community based services (HCBS) states you have the right to have anyone visit you as long as they are not disturbing the other residents and go wherever you want as long as you let someone know where you are going.