Redefining Residential Care For People With Developmental Disabilities

Dr. Robert Ireland

CEO, Bello Machre

“Who will provide a loving home for my child when I am no longer able?”

This is the question faced by many aging parents of adult children with developmental disabilities.

More than 100,000 Marylanders have developmental disabilities. Transitioning to residential services leads to many questions and lingering concerns. Too often, the term “group home” evokes outdated images of cold, institutional settings. In truth, today’s residential services offer loving, community-based care where people with disabilities live full, independent, rich lives.

Consider Katherine, who lives in a Bello Machre home in a Taneytown neighborhood. Medical challenges, including cerebral palsy and seizures, mean Katherine requires the right support to thrive. As an adult today, she enjoys her own room, three loving housemates, and a full weekly schedule of swimming at the Y, community outings, crafts and time with her dedicated, one-on-one care team. For her mom, Kim, the greatest impact is the peace of mind in knowing her daughter is loved, has good care, and lives in a permanent, stable home.

In honor of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM) this March, let’s debunk myths around residential services and share the reality of loving care that offers such peace of mind.

Myth 1: “Group homes are like institutions — cold, overcrowded and unsafe.”

Today’s community living homes are real homes in neighborhoods — typically serving three to four people, not 30 or 300. They are licensed, monitored and held to strict Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) and Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR). Safety, dignity and individualized support are at the center of care. Rooms and common spaces are personalized to reflect each person’s interests, making the house feel like their home.

Myth 2: “My child will lose their independence in a group home.”

Residential services are designed to empower adults to live as independently as possible, with supports that meet their needs. Staff members help build skills such as cooking, budgeting, self-care and socializing. Residents retain their full rights and autonomy, choosing their own meals, routines and how they wish to spend their free time.

Myth 3: “Staff in group homes don’t care and people are neglected.”

Staff are highly trained to provide person-centered care. They are background-checked and supported by nurses and specialists, with multiple layers of accountability, including delegating nurses, program directors, and family living directors. Families serve as vital partners, encouraged to visit, stay closely connected, and share in decision-making.

Myth 4: “Group homes isolate people from their families and community.”

Individuals live in the community, shop at local stores, attend church, go to restaurants, work or volunteer, and join clubs. Families are always welcome — whether for dinner, outings or holiday traditions. The home is theirs — decorated with their belongings, reflecting their choices. Individuals enjoy travel and vacations of their choosing. Life does not stop because someone lives in a group home!

Myth 5: “Residential services are one-size-fits-all.”

Supports are person-centered. Some may need help with daily living skills, others may need medical support, and others may focus on employment. Schedules, activities, and routines are built around each person’s goals and preferences.

The history of institutions has left a legacy of fear, but today’s residential services are built on the belief that every person deserves a life of dignity, choice and community connection. At Bello Machre, we are honored to walk alongside families in this transition — providing not just a service but a home filled with safety, compassion and opportunity.

Learn more at www.bellomachre.org.