Quality Group Home Care for Adults with Developmental Disabilities and/or Mental Health Disorders: Yearning for Understanding, Security and Freedom.

Background: The purpose of this study was to uncover and understand factors influencing quality of care received by adults with developmental disabilities and/or mental health disorders living in group homes.

Methods: The present authors conducted a secondary analysis of data from nine focus group discussions with adults with developmental disabilities and/or mental health disorders, and their family and paid caregivers (N = 52). To focus the analysis, the present authors drew on the research literature to craft a model of quality of group home care using concepts of social inclusion and self-determination, and corresponding staff approaches that include active support and person-centred care.

Results: Social inclusion and self-determination for adults in group homes are facilitated by staff approaches and manifest in residents being understood and experiencing security and freedom.

Conclusions: The present authors offer recommendations for group home resources, training, communication and outcome measures that promote residents' being understood and experiencing security and freedom.