Choosing the right group home for an adult with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) is one of the most important decisions a family can make. It affects daily life, safety, happiness, and long-term stability.
This guide walks you through exactly what to consider, the questions to ask, and how to find a place where your loved one can truly thrive.
What Is a Group Home for Adults With IDD?
A group home for adults with IDD is a residential setting where a small number of adults live together with on-site support staff. It is designed to provide structure, safety, and opportunities for growth in a real home environment.
Many families consider a group home when full-time care at home is no longer possible, when an adult needs more consistent daily support, or when greater independence is the goal. These homes offer a middle ground between living fully independently and more intensive institutional care.
The rest of this article serves as a practical roadmap to help you evaluate options with confidence.
Know What Level of Care Is Needed
Group homes vary widely in the amount of support they provide. Some offer minimal assistance with daily tasks, while others deliver full 24-hour supervised care.
Before you begin touring homes, take time to clearly understand your loved one’s current needs in these key areas:
- Personal hygiene and self-care
- Medication management
- Behavioral support
- Communication needs
- Mobility
- Social engagement
A formal care needs assessment or support plan from a physician, therapist, or case manager can give you objective clarity. Choosing a home with the wrong level of care, too much supervision or not enough, can lead to frustration, instability, or safety concerns.
Understand the Types of Group Homes Available
Not all group homes are the same. Understanding the main categories helps you narrow your search.
Community residential homes
These are small homes integrated into regular neighborhoods. Residents share daily routines and household responsibilities with staff support on-site.
Intermediate care facilities (ICFs)
These are usually larger settings with more clinical oversight. They are often chosen for individuals with intensive medical or behavioral needs.
Supported living arrangements
In these models, residents live more independently, and staff come in for scheduled hours rather than living on-site full time.
Specialized homes
Some homes focus on a specific diagnosis or behavioral profile, such as autism or dual diagnosis with mental health conditions. These often have staff with targeted training.
Licensing, staffing ratios, and oversight rules differ between these types. Always ask detailed questions about which category a home falls into and what that means for daily life.
Questions to Ask During a Tour or Intake Call
A good tour or phone conversation should feel like a two-way interview. Here are the essential questions every caregiver should ask:
- What is the staff-to-resident ratio during the day and at night?
- What training do staff receive, and what is the typical staff turnover rate?
- How do you handle behavioral challenges or crises?
- Can you walk me through a typical daily schedule?
- How are medications stored, administered, and monitored?
- How do you keep families informed and involved in care decisions?
- Can the home accommodate special diets, medical equipment, or mobility needs?
- What happens if a resident’s needs change over time?
Trust your instincts while you visit. Notice whether residents appear engaged and content. Does the space feel clean, calm, and welcoming? Do staff speak respectfully about the people they support? These details often reveal more than any brochure.
Check Licensing, Accreditation, and State Oversight
Every group home for adults with IDD must be licensed by the state. A licensed home has agreed to meet minimum standards for safety, staffing, and quality of care.
Ask to see proof of current licensure and check state inspection records when they are publicly available. Some homes go further and earn additional accreditation from organizations.
If you plan to use Medicaid funding, confirm the home is an approved provider under your state’s Medicaid waiver program (often called the Home and Community Based Services or HCBS waiver). Not every licensed home accepts Medicaid. We at Brookside Farm are private pay only. Meaning, we do not accept Medicaid as a form of payment.
Consider Location, Community, and Culture Fit
A group home is someone’s actual home, the environment and culture matter as much as the services provided.
Think about these practical and personal factors:
- How close is the home to family members who want to visit regularly?
- Does the location offer easy access to community activities, parks, or jobs?
- Does the home’s overall culture match your loved one’s personality and preferences?
- What is the mix of other residents in terms of age, diagnosis, and activity level?
- Does the individual have real say in daily choices like meals, activities, bedtime, or visitors?
Person-centered care, where the resident’s preferences guide decisions, is considered best practice. Ask specifically how the home puts this principle into action every day.
How Brookside Farm Supports Adults With IDD
At Brookside Farm in Manor, Texas, we offer supportive group home living for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our model combines 24/7 trained & supportive staff, personalized care plans, and meaningful daily activities in a true home-like setting that promotes safety, independence, and a genuine sense of belonging.
Families can explore our full range of care programs and begin the admissions process directly on our website.
Learn more about our Intellectual Disabilities Support → Explore Our Care Programs → Start the Admissions Process →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a group home for adults with IDD? A group home for adults with IDD is a small residential setting where several adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities live together with on-site support staff who help with daily living, safety, and personal growth.
How do I know if a group home is the right choice? A group home is often the right choice when an adult’s level of care needs exceeds what the family can safely provide at home, or when structured support and community integration will improve quality of life and stability.
What should I look for when visiting a group home? Look at how staff interact with residents, whether the home feels clean and calm, and whether daily life appears structured yet respectful of individual preferences and routines.
What is person-centered care in a group home setting? Person-centered care means decisions about daily life, activities, and support are guided by the individual’s own preferences, goals, and choices rather than a one-size-fits-all routine.
Ready to take the next step? If you’re beginning the search for a group home for an adult with IDD, we’re here to help you explore options with clarity and compassion.
Call us at (512) 507-5713 or schedule a personal tour of Brookside Farm today.
Ethan Morrison
Administrator
Brookside Farm
brookside-farm.org