When it comes to finding the right long-term care setting for a loved one with a developmental disability, the choices can feel overwhelming. One of the most common questions families face is whether a group home or a developmental home is the better fit.
At Family Partners, we help families across Arizona explore their options and find placements that are safe, supportive, and tailored to each individual’s needs. Here’s what you need to know about the differences — and why many families are choosing developmental homes for more personalized care.
What Are Group Homes?
Group homes are licensed residential facilities where several individuals with developmental disabilities live together and receive care from a team of staff. These homes are structured, staffed 24/7, and designed to meet the shared needs of the group.
What Are Developmental Homes?
Developmental homes are a less-restrictive licensed alternative to group homes. These homes fall into two categories:
In both CDH and ADH settings, an individual lives with a licensed caregiver in their home. These providers offer full-time care, build long-term relationships, and help individuals with daily routines, skill development, and emotional well-being — all within a calm, family-style environment.
Why More Families Are Choosing Developmental Homes
Group homes serve an important purpose, especially for individuals who need more assistance with medical care or independent skills, including hygiene and self-help. Developmental homes are ideal for individuals who need some help with daily care needs and learning, but do not need much support during sleeping hours. Developmental Homes offer a more personalized, relationship-based approach that many families prefer — especially for loved ones who thrive on stability and routine. These homes help individuals feel safe, respected, and included — not just cared for.
Every individual is unique. That’s why our team at Family Partners takes the time to understand your situation, explain your options, and help guide you toward a care setting that best fits your loved one’s needs — whether that’s a group home, a Child Developmental Home (CDH), or an Adult Developmental Home (ADH).
We’re here to help you make informed, confident decisions — and find a placement where your loved one will feel at home.
Category | Adult Developmental Home (ADH) | Group Home |
Living Environment | Family-style home; 1–3 individuals with caregiver(s) | Company-owned house; 3–6 individuals with rotating staff |
Caregiver Consistency | Same caregiver(s) live in the home full-time | Staff rotate in shifts; less consistent, high turnover |
Personalized Attention | High—care is focused on 1–3 residents | Moderate— staff divide attention among multiple residents |
Atmosphere | Warm, home-like, individualized | More structured |
Routine Flexibility | Highly flexible and based on individual needs | More rigid to accommodate group needs and barriers may exist due to staff schedules and the availability of company vehicles |
Life Skills Development | Strong focus—real-life learning in a home setting | Varies—less opportunity for personalized skills training |
Social Environment | Smaller, calmer, less overwhelming | More social interaction but potentially overstimulating |
Emotional Bonding | Strong— residents often form deep bonds with caregivers | Limited— relationships may be more professional or transitional |
Independence Support | High— supports long-term growth and autonomy | Moderate— depends on staff availability and structure |
How Family Partners Can Help
Every individual is unique. That’s why our team at Family Partners takes the time to understand your situation, explain your options, and help guide you toward a care setting that best fits your loved one’s needs — whether that’s a group home, a Child Developmental Home (CDH), or an Adult Developmental Home (ADH).
We’re here to help you make informed, confident decisions — and find a placement where your loved one will feel at home.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
If you’re navigating care choices and wondering what’s best for your child or adult family member, we’re here to help. Contact Family Partners today to learn more about developmental home placements and get the support you need to take the next step with confidence. Call 602-997-8300 and ask to speak with the Developmental Home Program Director.
