Architectural characteristics and management of group homes for persons with disabilities

Abstract Japan's group homes, where usually three to seven people with disabilities live in a community residence, are gradually increasing in number as a residence for persons with disabilities. However, it remains unclear what challenges exist in opening and operating such homes, and how the challenges differ depending on the type of resident disability. A questionnaire survey was administered among corporations operating group homes for persons with disabilities (GHD) in Japan's Kanto region regarding issues during opening and operation of GHDs, as well as the condition of the buildings. The results revealed the following issues. First, in metropolitan areas such as Tokyo, it is difficult to construct or lease a building with sufficient space. Second, GHDs, where people with intellectual disabilities live, are often positioned as permanent residences. Furthermore, in GHDs where the residents primarily have physically disabilities, it is often difficult to achieve sufficient floor space. In addition, in GHDs primarily housing people with mental disabilities, they are often positioned as temporary residences prior to living alone in apartments, etc., and understanding from neighborhood residents constitutes a major issue.