What is a Group Home?
There are many different types of care facilities in Canada. They are catered to many different segments of the population. The most common are senior living homes. But many others care for people who have a variety of health and wellness needs. Another common one is group homes. Just like senior living homes, people in these homes have medical needs.
Below, we’ll talk about what group homes are and how they operate in Canada.
A group home is a single-family home setting that is designed to help individuals with complex health care needs in a home-like setting. It’s a more intimate setting compared to a long-term care facility.
Ementalhealth.ca defines a group home using this definition:
“A group home is usually a single-family dwelling for special populations that need a supervised living environment. Common examples include children and youth in care, individuals with developmental or physical disabilities, individuals recovering from substance abuse, teenaged mothers, or victims of domestic violence.”
In Ontario, all group homes must be licenced to offer care in a residential setting. They must meet all rules and regulations under the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 (CYFSA).
Care can only be provided by organizations with a direct contractual relationship with the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services (MCCSS). They must be funded to provide care.
Who lives in group homes?
Individual group homes typically cater to a specific group of individuals who share common health, medical, or wellness condition. There are a variety of different people who can live in a group home setting. Ontario.ca provides this list of people who commonly receive residential care in a group home setting:
- Children in need of protection
- Youth in conflict with the law
- Individuals with special needs, such as developmental disabilities
Other medical complexities such as autism spectrum disorder and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
- Individuals with mental health needs
- Respite services to support families
- Individuals with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, social issues, substance abuse, behavioural issues
Why are group homes beneficial?
Group homes create a safe and consistent environment for individuals who require a specific type of care and assistance. They offer individuals a home where they can receive:
safe and consistent living conditions:
Get the security they need
The medical treatment they need:
Get access to the right medication and take it consistently
They can have the independence they need:
Do things independently
Daily living assistance:
Get help with certain aspects of daily living as needed
Social interaction:
Interact with others working and living in the home
Continued interaction with family:
See your family regularly as you get the support you need
All the comforts of home:
Get your own room, privacy and your favourite things
At Resident Care Pharmacy, we offer a variety of services that support group homes in our community. If you’re a group home, please reach out to us if you need a trusted pharmacy partner.
