Family Resource Center Client

Group Homes for Disabled Adults

Over the years, FRC increasingly saw a growing number of consumers who were in need of 24-hour care. For this reason, FRC opened its first waiver home (group home) in Carroll in July 2010, with staff members who worked on a round-the-clock rotation to care for the consumers in the new HCBS waiver home.

Since the grand opening, the need for additional HCBS waiver homes in FRC’s service area became more and more evident. For this reason, over the past 9 years, FRC gradually added new homes and now supports consumers living in Carroll, Greenfield, Harlan, Atlantic, and Guthrie Center, Iowa.

What is a Waiver Home?

Woman smiling with arm around one younger man, older man smiling at them

A waiver home is an alternative to institutions for the elderly and people with behavioral or mental conditions/disabilities. FRC’s staff is trained to help each consumer understand that living in a waiver home means that they are required to be considerate of others and respectful of the rules in their homes. In exchange, FRC’s staff also helps them understand that living in a waiver home is not a final chapter where someone “put” them, but rather, a new chapter where they can function to the best of their abilities with trained staff members who are aware of each individual’s circumstances. The group home situation allows the individual to develop skills in:

  • Financial management
  • Cooking
  • Cleaning
  • Shopping.

An individual can also learn more about personal relationships and connecting to their community.

What Are the Benefits of a Waiver Home?

Waiver homes are often preferable to institutions, especially for high-functioning adults who would like some form of autonomy. Waiver homes are designed to encourage independence in certain activities while providing support to complete others. The help each individual receives is tailored to their specific needs, which changes based on the abilities of the individual as time goes on. This type of home is just as safe as an institution, in terms of care, treatment, and living conditions.

If this sounds like something you or someone you know would be interested in, call for more information or learn how to sign up for a waiver home today!