Group homes are homes in the community where a disability-service provider both maintains a household and coordinates the supports for those who live in the home. This environment offers the opportunity to develop relationships with roommates and work together to learn to be more independent.
In comparing Easterseals Arc’s group homes to other programs or providers, here are some things to consider:
Funding for group homes includes nursing coordination, choice of day program, and transportation. Group homes are an option available to individuals that have been turned down for the CIH waiver.
Easterseals Arc opened Indiana’s first licensed group home for people with disabilities in 1972. The agency now owns or leases eight group homes in Fort Wayne, housing a maximum of 48 people.
Each group home is surveyed at least annually by the Board of Health and the fire marshal to ensure the residents’ health and safety.
A nurse coordinates all medical care for each individual and completes an assessment of each individual quarterly. Group home residents must have regular physicals, dental exams, and vision exams. In addition, all staff are trained on first aid and dispensing medication and are CPR certified. Each staff member is trained on each individual’s specific information prior to working with him or her.
A registered dietitian completes an annual nutritional assessment on each individual, and the group homes follow dietitian-formulated menus.
Our call center is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Anyone — group home residents, family, staff, nurses — can call the center at 260.969.4254 for help with a wide range of concerns.
Easterseals Arc is committed to person-centered planning, a process which focuses on the individual and is directed by his or her strengths and preferences.
Eligibility
To determine eligibility for group home living, contact District 3 of the Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services. They will be able to provide you with information on eligibility and intake procedures. The local BDDS office is located at: 201 E. Rudisill, Suite 300 Fort Wayne, IN 46806 Phone: (260) 423-2571 or (877) 218-3061 Fax: (260) 424-2830
For more information on Easterseals Arc’s group homes, please contact Aimee Green, our agency intake and transition specialist, at agreen@esarc.org or 260.456.4534 ext. 276.
