Searching for a group home can quickly become confusing, especially when you discover there isn't just one type of residential care.

Some group homes provide ongoing medical care for individuals with complex health needs, while others focus on helping adults with developmental disabilities live as independently as possible with support for everyday activities.

Understanding the difference between medical and non-medical group homes can help you narrow your search and choose a setting that best matches your loved one's needs.

What Is a Non-Medical Group Home?

A non-medical group home is designed for adults who don't require ongoing skilled medical treatment but still benefit from assistance with everyday living.

These homes focus on helping residents maintain their independence, build life skills, and participate in their communities while receiving support tailored to their individual needs.

Non-medical group homes commonly serve adults with:

• Autism

• Intellectual disabilities

• Schizophrenia

• Cerebral palsy

• Down syndrome

• Developmental disabilities

• Behavioral health challenges

Rather than treating medical conditions, caregivers help residents with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), the everyday tasks many people perform without thinking.

These may include:

• Bathing and personal hygiene

• Dressing and grooming

• Meal preparation

• Medication reminders or assistance

• Laundry and housekeeping

• Transportation

• Shopping

• Community outings

• Budgeting and daily living skills

The goal is to provide the right amount of support while encouraging residents to remain as independent as possible.

What Is a Medical Group Home?

A medical group home is designed for individuals who require ongoing medical supervision or skilled nursing care in addition to residential support.

Residents often have complex medical conditions that require licensed healthcare professionals to monitor their health and provide treatments throughout the day.

Medical group homes may serve individuals who have:

• Serious chronic illnesses

• Traumatic brain injuries

• Spinal cord injuries

• Ventilator dependence

• Feeding tubes

• Tracheostomies

• Complex wound care needs

• Other conditions requiring skilled nursing services

Depending on the level of care required, medical group homes may have Registered Nurses (RNs), who provide comprehensive nursing care and oversee residents' medical needs; Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs), who provide routine nursing care such as administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and assisting with treatments under the supervision of an RN or physician; physical, occupational, or speech therapists, who help residents improve mobility, daily living skills, and communication; and other healthcare professionals who provide specialized medical care based on each resident's individual needs.

Unlike non-medical homes, the primary focus is managing ongoing health conditions while providing a safe residential environment.

Medical vs. Non-Medical Group Homes at a Glance

What Are Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)?

One term you'll often hear during the placement process is Activities of Daily Living, commonly called ADLs.

ADLs are the basic tasks people perform every day to care for themselves. They typically include:

• Eating

• Bathing

• Dressing

• Toileting

• Walking or transferring safely

• Personal hygiene

When someone needs assistance with one or more of these activities, it doesn't automatically mean they require a medical group home.

Many adults receive support with ADLs while living in a non-medical residential home where the focus remains on independence and quality of life.

Why Families Often Confuse the Two

It's common to hear the words group home and immediately picture a medical facility or nursing home.

In reality, many community-based group homes look just like other homes in the neighborhood.

Residents often have their own bedrooms, share common living spaces, participate in household activities, attend day programs or jobs, and enjoy community outings. While staff are available to provide support, the goal is to create a comfortable home environment, not a hospital setting.

Medical group homes, on the other hand, are intended for individuals whose healthcare needs require ongoing skilled medical supervision that cannot safely be provided in a traditional residential home.

Which Residents Typically Benefit from a Non-Medical Group Home?

A non-medical group home may be appropriate for adults who:

• Need help with daily living activities

• Benefit from reminders or supervision

• Want opportunities to socialize with peers

• Need transportation to appointments or activities

• Require support with cooking, housekeeping, or medication management

• Don't require around-the-clock skilled nursing care

Many residents attend day programs, volunteer, work in supported employment, or participate in recreational activities while living in these homes.

Who May Need a Medical Group Home?

Medical group homes are generally appropriate for individuals whose health conditions require ongoing medical treatment or monitoring.

Examples may include individuals who:

• Require ventilator support

• Receive IV medications or specialized treatments

• Need complex wound care

• Have feeding tubes requiring medical management

• Require frequent nursing assessments

• Have medical conditions that cannot safely be managed in a non-medical setting

The decision is typically made by healthcare providers, discharge planners, and the individual's care team based on their medical needs.

Can Someone Move from One Type of Group Home to Another?

Yes. A person's needs can change over time.

For example, someone recovering from a serious illness or surgery may temporarily require a medical group home before transitioning to a non-medical residential home once their condition stabilizes.

Likewise, someone living in a non-medical group home who later develops significant medical needs may require a higher level of care.

Regular assessments help ensure residents continue receiving the support that's most appropriate for their health and independence.

Which Type of Group Home Does Center for Behavioral Change Provide?

Center for Behavioral Change provides non-medical community-based residential homes for adults with developmental disabilities.

Our focus is helping residents build life skills, maintain their independence, participate in community activities, and receive personalized support with daily living in a safe, respectful environment.

Because every individual has different goals and support needs, we work closely with families, Regional Centers, and care teams to help ensure each resident receives services that promote dignity, personal growth, and the highest possible quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a non-medical group home the same as a nursing home?

No. Non-medical group homes focus on supporting adults with daily living activities and independence, while nursing homes and medical group homes provide skilled medical care for individuals with significant healthcare needs.

Can someone with autism live in a non-medical group home?

Yes. Many adults with autism live in non-medical community-based residential homes that provide personalized support with daily living, social skills, and community participation.

Who decides whether someone needs a medical or non-medical group home?

The decision is typically based on the individual's medical condition, functional abilities, and support needs. Healthcare providers, Regional Centers, case managers, and family members often work together to determine the most appropriate placement.

Are medications managed in a non-medical group home?

Yes. Depending on the resident's care plan and state regulations, staff may assist with medication reminders or medication administration, but they do not provide the level of skilled nursing care available in a medical group home.

Does insurance pay for a group home?

Coverage varies depending on the individual's eligibility, diagnosis, and the type of residential services needed. Some services may be funded through Regional Centers, Medicaid or Medi-Cal programs, SSI, waivers, or other public and private resources.