Frequently Asked Questions for Parents and Family
What is the typical length of stay?
We tell families to plan on 12 months. Some residents may take less time, others may take longer. The journey of recovery is different for each individual.
How do you know when someone is ready to graduate?
This is a very individual process. The staff measures various areas of the resident’s recovery to determine when a resident is ready to transition into the next phase of their journey.
Are the residents allowed overnight visits at home?
Yes. During Entry Level Overnight leaves of absence will only be granted for special requests, such as family emergency or continued involvement in an out-patient treatment program more than 50 miles from HERO House. Once the resident earns Level One, they are eligible for a monthly 72 hour visit home, providing they obtain all the approvals necessary.
How many meetings per week do the residents attend?
Residents must attend at least four 12-step meetings per week, and to comply with the documentation of such if requested. We recommend that residents attend more than the minimum requirement.
How do the residents get around if they do not have a car?
Residents in at The HERO House must learn to take responsibility for their needs, which includes appropriate and adequate transportation. Residents must provide for their own transportation needs. If a resident does have access to a vehicle, they can use it while living at The HERO House.
It is recommended that all residents earn a vehicle if possible at some point during their stay at The HERO House, because we like to see that the resident can manage this responsibility while they are still in a structured environment.
How much money should I send my resident each week?
We recommend between $75 and $100 per week. If the resident does not have employment, and you want to them to be employed, we recommend that you gradually scale this amount back. Additionally, we recommend that this money be in the form of gift cards for grocery stores, etc.
Am I allowed to visit other than on Family Weekend?
Yes, we keep an open door policy. We encourage you to have contact with your family member as they progress along their journey of recovery. It is helpful for the residents to begin to mend and repair relationships with their families while they are at The HERO House.
Are the residents allowed overnight visits at home? What about the Holidays?
Yes. During Entry Level Overnight leaves of absence will only be granted for special requests, such as family emergency or continued involvement in an out-patient treatment program more than 50 miles from HERO House. Once the resident earns Level One, they are eligible for a monthly 72 hour visit home, providing they obtain all the approvals necessary.
For the Holidays, we have a system of determining how many days each individual resident may take. Please be in touch with staff before making travel plans and arrangements. For some, this visit home may be stressful and anxiety-provoking. Some residents travel home with no difficulties, others require home visitation agreements that we are happy to work out. Others have destination vacations from going to a grandparents’ home in another state, to a spa in Colorado or a cabin in the woods. Please contact us to provide as much guidance and assistance as we can for these events.
When is payment due? Will I receive a monthly invoice? Where do I send payment?
Payment is due on or before the 1st of each month. There is a late fee of 10% for payments not received by the 1st. Checks should be made out to The HERO House. We do not send monthly invoices. Please send payment to one of the following addresses:
| The HERO House 1322 Shiloh Trail East NW Kennesaw, GA 30144 |
What should the resident bring with them?
Clothes, toiletries, school materials, groceries and alarm clock. We provide all cleaning products, linens, bedding, dishes and cookware, and paper products. If your family member has any prescription medicine, they must also bring a lock box to keep it in.
What if the resident needs to see a therapist or psychiatrist?
We will work with your family member to set up these appointments. We will give the resident some recommendations in the community and help them to set up their initial appointment. We will provide your insurance information to the provider they are scheduling with. We recommend that you work out a plan with the professional regarding co-payments.
What type of communication should we expect from the staff?
As a family member, you will receive a weekly newsletter from The HERO House, containing information about current happenings, how to be supportive of yourself and your family member in recovery as well as a message of hope. Additionally, you can expect at least a monthly update on the progress your family member is making at The HERO House. Those doing the recovery coaching will contact you via phone or email with these updates. We will also contact you if there is any significant concern about your family member. Finally, please feel free to contact one of the staff if you have any concerns or questions.
This is difficult. Do you have any suggestions or recommendations?
Yes. Addiction is a Family Disease. We recommend that family members attend recovery and/or support groups for family members. Al-Anon, CODA, Al-Ateen and Nar-Anon are excellent sources of support and healing for family members. To find an Al-Anon or Al-Ateen meeting near you, visit www.al-anon.alateen.org. To locate a Nar-Anon meeting, visit www.nar-anon.org.