Group homes/ residential care homes

[TurtleCat]

I was curious if anyone else worked in this type of environment as a CNA, and what their experiences were and what they thought of it. Also, what kind of clients you work/worked with.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Many moons ago I worked at a group home that housed 6 developmentally disabled adults with varying levels of mental retardation.

I toileted, showered, cooked meals, got clients dressed, packed lunches, did oral care, basic grooming, and other ADLs. I also performed light housekeeping such as washing dishes, sweeping, mopping, and laundry.

[Lizzly]

On weekends, I work as a CNA at an small Assistant Living Home. We do the basic ADL: grooming hair, oral care,feeding, bathroom duties, bathing, turning in bed, dressing for bed-time, and getting them ready for breakfast in the morning, making beds,wash dishes, sweep & mop floor. At most Assistant Living, you take a short class and allowed to give out medicine which great to learn since you need for nursing school. I forgot ..we assist weak people who needs daily exercise. Hope this helps with your question.

[Missingyou, CNA]

I worked in different group homes for mentally retarded adults. In the state I worked in, it was not required to be a CNA. They trained you. I was paid more in groups homes than what I would have been paid as a CNA in a nursing home. (I had friends who worked as CNA's in LTC)

As above ppl listed, I worked with one other staff person taking care of 6 adults with various abilities who were mentally retarded. We basically ran a household. Cooking, cleaning, providing care (feeding, personal care etc), transporting residents to/from work/day program/recreational activities/medical appts, we also planned activities for the residents, took them shopping for personal needs, give medications (additional provided training).

Basically, we were the "parents" in a household "family".

Pretty much, the only thing we DID NOT do was repair of the home, manage the money of residents (tho we did have access to petty cash).

I really enjoyed working in group homes. I got to bond with the residents. We became family.

I no longer work in group homes, because the state I moved to is completely different and the pay is MUCH less in group homes than in LTC.

The work pace in a group home is pretty much laid back. ...unless of course you work in a "behavioral home", then there are many more challenges and likely more pay.