Current services and outcomes of formerly institutionalised and never‐institutionalised US adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A propensity score matching analysis

Abstract

Background Deinstitutionalization research shows better services and outcomes relative to institutional life but has not compared formerly institutionalised and never‐institutionalised service users. Methods We used propensity score matching (PSM) to match formerly institutionalised and never‐institutionalised participants on six personal characteristics. Data came from the 2018 to 2019 National Core Indicators In‐Person Survey. We excluded current institution residents, and states with 25% + of missing data on former institutionalisation. Results Overall, 15.5% of participants in the 29‐state full sample had lived in an institution for 1 year or more. Findings from the PSM sample showed that former‐institution residents were more likely to use congregate living arrangements and less likely to live with family. They experienced more loneliness, less support‐related choice, and had a consistent pattern of disability service‐focused social connections. Conclusions Many former institution residents remain disadvantaged relative to matched peers. There is a need to identify factors to enhance services and outcomes following deinstitutionalization.