The Strict Rules of Group Homes: Understanding the Reason Behind Them
Group homes are residential facilities designed to provide care and support to individuals who require assistance with daily living and other needs. While some group homes may seem to have overly restrictive policies, there is often a significant reason behind such measures.
Origins of Strict Policies
My experience as a pro handyman in the 1980s introduced me to the reality of group homes. One of my clients, for instance, housed mentally challenged adults, but their living arrangements came with strict rules. I was called for maintenance work and had the chance to talk with a live-in attendant, who revealed the underlying philosophy: 'just don't let him get behind you.' This was a cautionary note about the nature of the residents and the strict controls in place.
Control Freaks Running Like Pre-School
Many group homes follow a strict regime not unlike a pre-school. The reasoning is based on managing behaviors and ensuring safety. Contrasted with the title of 'control freaks,' these homes often treat their residents as if they are children. For example, one of my clients once explained why residents couldn't have a TV in their rooms: 'No you can't have a TV in your room. Then everyone will want one. We have one TV in this house. It's in the Living Room. We all vote for when it's TV Time and what we'll all watch. If we can't get consensus, the TV stays off!'
Background and Control
Many residents are in group homes due to prior uncontrolled behavior, and strict policies aim to keep things manageable. The actual source of these strict rules lies in the agency responsible for running the homes, rather than the homes themselves. In my own experience, I lived in a group home from May 2010 to April 2013. Strict rules ensured that nothing was taken without permission. These policies also included financial and health concerns, such as ensuring that money wasn't missing from financial folders and that medications were distributed on schedule.
Staff Resignations and Turnover
Such strict policies often lead to high staff turnover. Multiple residents left the home within approximately six weeks of each other, causing a noticeable impact. As a result, many staff members became frustrated with the policies and resigned in protest. This led to a multitude of changes, both in staffing and in the policies themselves.
The strict rules in group homes serve a crucial purpose of maintaining order, safety, and a supportive living environment for residents. Understanding the reasoning behind these policies can help dispel common misconceptions and provide insight into the need for such regulations in these essential care facilities.