This paper provides a quantitative review of Australian studies on deinstitutionalisation and community living for persons with intellectual disabilities. Thirteen studies from eight separate projects were identified from a comprehensive literature search. Studies were included if they were conducted in Australia and focused on the effects of relocating per sons from institutions to community-based residences, involved a comparison of institutional versus community-based services, or investigated the community adjustment of people who had once lived in an institution. Each study was examined to ascertain details on the settings, participants, methodology, and results. Community-based placements were associated with increased adaptive behaviour, greater community participation, and improved contact with family and friends. There was little or no change in problem behaviour, health, or mortality The results are consistent with similar reviews from studies conducted in the USA and UK and support the development of community-based services for persons with intellectual disability. However, limitations in the Australian database are acknowledged and discussed.
A national Australian study of people with an intellectual disability of 55 years of age and over investigated their employment and retirement patterns, attitudes to work and retirement, and the degree to which they were involved in leisure or recreational programmes. Two cohorts were recruited: one included all known members of the target group who agreed to participate in the study in the states of Queensland and Western Australia; and the second was a proportional, random sample drawn from a national database on a state population basis. A large number of the participants had never been involved in full- or part-time employment, either in a competitive or supported environment, or in workshops. The majority of those who had worked expressed strong positive attitudes toward employment and concern about retirement, suggesting the need for pre-retirement programmes including transition and choice-making skills to prepare participants for the future.
This paper describes the involvement of older people with intellectual disabilities in residential‐and community–based activities and programmes. The 446 participants v/ere selected from a national database of people of 55 years of age and over with intellectual disabilities in Australia. The data indicate that participants made infrequent use of public amenities and social and recreational facilities. With the exception of those living with relatives, most had limited contact with family and friends. The discussion draws attention to the need for independence training which will enable the current generation of middle‐aged people with an intellectual disability to make decisions and choices about social and community activities.
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