🌿 The Emotional & Psychological Journey of Transitioning a Loved One Into Skycrest Place & Stardust Group Homes (Challenges + Real Solutions for Families)

stephen weik
Nov 11
3 min read

Transitioning a loved one into a group home — especially for individuals with developmental disabilities — is not only a logistical process, it’s deeply emotional.

Families often face a mix of relief, guilt, grief, hope, and uncertainty.

At Skycrest Place and Stardust Group Home, we walk through this journey with families every step of the way. While the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) provides the legal and regulatory framework, families deal with the human side — the heart of the experience.

This article is written to help families understand:

The psychological challenges they may experience
What emotions their loved one may feel
Practical solutions to support a healthy transition
Where to find Florida-approved support resources

❤️ The Emotional Challenges Families Commonly Experience

✅ 1. Guilt (“Am I doing the right thing?”)

Many parents and caregivers feel guilt about not providing care at home anymore.

Reframe it: Choosing a group home isn’t giving up — it’s leveling up support.

Group homes exist to provide meaningful independence, socialization, and professional care. Your role shifts from full-time caregiver to advocate and loving supporter.

You are not removing yourself from their life. You are removing barriers to their growth.

✅ 2. Fear of the Unknown

Families often fear:

“Who will help them if they’re upset?”
“What if staff don’t understand their needs?”
“Will they be safe?”

These are very normal concerns.

Solution: Schedule multiple visits and slow introductions. Tour the home, observe activities, and ask questions.

Use this Official APD Provider Group Home Guide →🔗 https://apd.myflorida.com/providers/group-homes.htm

✅ 3. Loss of Identity

For many parents, caregiving becomes part of who they are. The transition may feel like losing a role.

Solution: Shift from caregiver to connection facilitator.You aren’t stepping back — you are stepping into a different, healthier role.

✅ 4. Grief (even when it’s the right decision)

Grief shows up because expectations of the future are changing. Grief doesn’t mean regret — it means you love deeply.

🌱 The Emotional Challenges Your Loved One May Experience

People transitioning into a group home may experience:

Anxiety around routine changes
Fear of unfamiliar people or environment
Difficulty separating from their primary caregiver
Sensory or behavioral challenges due to change

They may not have the words to express this, so feelings show through behavior.

Predictability reduces anxiety.

Creating routines helps residents thrive.

✅ Solutions for a Healthy Transition

🟦 1. Create a “Comfort Transition Plan”

Include:

Favorite routines
Sensory preferences
Words/phrases that help during stress
Food and meal preferences
Pictures of family or pets

Homes like ours use this to make Day One feel familiar.

🟦 2. Gradual Introductions

Instead of dropping off on move-in day:

First visit: stay together
Next visit: let them engage while you step away
Short trial day or meal
Move-in

Slow introductions decrease anxiety.

More transition resources for students/adults →🔗 https://apd.myflorida.com/students/

🟦 3. Develop a Visual Schedule

Many individuals thrive with visual routines:

Breakfast
Morning activities
Outings
Relaxation time
Calls with family

Consistency builds comfort.

🟦 4. Stay Connected — Without Interrupting Adjustment

Healthy ways to stay close after move-in:

Establish a predictable call/visit schedule
Send encouraging cards or notes
Video or FaceTime calls as agreed with the home

Over-checking can increase anxiety. Predictable connections build confidence.

🟦 5. Know Their Rights

Every resident in an APD-licensed group home has protected rights:

To dignity and respect
To privacy
To personal property
To be free from abuse, neglect, or exploitation

APD Zero Tolerance Policy →🔗 https://apd.myflorida.com/zero-tolerance/

Concerns can also be reported here (independent advocacy):🔗 https://disabilityrightsflorida.org/

🧠 When Should Families Seek Support for Their Own Well-Being?

Signs the transition is emotionally overwhelming:

Loss of sleep
Anxiety or panic
Difficulty making decisions
Feeling isolated

Support is available through:

APD Support Coordinators
Family peer networks
Florida disability advocacy groups

Find support coordination resources →🔗 https://apd.myflorida.com/providers/support-coordination/

🌞 The Unexpected Positive Outcomes

Families often report that after transition:

Their loved one becomes more independent
They form friendships
They develop new life skills
Family time becomes quality time, not caregiving time

Sometimes the best way to help someone grow…is to give them room to fly.

✨ Final Encouragement

Transitioning a loved one to a group home is a courageous, loving act.

You are choosing:

Community
Independence
Safety
Quality of life

You are not letting go —you’re letting them grow.