If you never interacted with the residents there, how are you so sure it was so bad? Nevermind the people in the group home — on what basis did you acquire the belief that the neighbors were “relieved” not to interact with them?

Maybe you’re right and this situation was terrible for everyone. Is this arrangement required? Is it the best we can do?

I don’t think most people would choose to live a life with many common afflictions. I certainly wish my lower back didn’t hurt all the time. That doesn’t invalidate my existence, and neither does my son’s Down syndrome invalidate his.

I was a neighbor... I was friends with the neighbors. I literally lived across the street from the home. I'm sure the nursing staff was nice and they got as great a life as one could have in a group home. I never claimed having downs invalidated anyone's existence, I simply stated that I don't think its a condition anyone would willingly desire if given an alternative.

Also they had an ambulance or fire truck there at least once every couple months.