#15 & #16 - Special Needs Housing: Group Homes
Group Homes, also referred to as Community Care Facilities, are residential homes within the community housing a number of unrelated individuals who require support.
LOMAH speaks with Dana Hooper, executive director of Life Services Alternative (LSA) in episode #15 & #16. LSA has 11 (soon to be 12) group homes in the Silicon Valley area of California and is considered to be one of the best examples in the country of the group home concept.
Mentioned in These Episodes
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Episode #15
Life Services Alternative employs approximately 200 people and runs 11 (soon to be 12) group homes in addition to day programs. In this episode, Dana Hooper, gives us a peek at the business skills necessary to run quality programs that have longevity and stability. Topics covered include the hiring process, rates, financial strategy, and how decisions are made for the organization.
Also discussed is the interesting history of LSA which began when a handful of moms banded together upon the closing of Agnews Developmental Center. Agnews was a mental hospital and institution. While it no longer exists, there is a museum open to the public.
Episode #16
We address pros and cons of group homes, the importance of choice, and how being treated with respect and dignity can literally be a matter of life or death. Dana gives tips on what to look for when choosing an organization for our loved one and explains the process of being placed in a group home.
We conclude with a discussion on long wait lists and then laughed at Dana's unconventional wish for Home #12. You can be a part of the fun and process by joining the 1200 Club.