Living in hospital and hostel: the pattern of interactions of people with learning difficulties

Abstract

ABSTRACT. This study compared interactions between the staff and residents living in hospital wards and in community‐based hostels. Twenty‐four people with moderate to severe learning difficulties participated in this study. Interactions were categorized according to who was the initiator and recipient, their purpose, attitude of the recipient, duration, and place. It was found that the hospital and hotel residents had virtually no interactions with people outwith the establishment in which they lived. The hostel appeared to offer the residents a sociable environment with more interpersonal interactions and more positive attitudes towards the interactants than the hospital. Interactions in both kinds of setting were very short, thus giving residents little chance to develop communicative skills. It is suggested that a more personal approach, such as joint activities between residents and staff, and living in small groups in ordinary housing, should be the first priorities in the effort to improve the pattern of social interactions of people with moderate to severe learning difficulties.

The Kirkpatrick model: A useful tool for evaluating training outcomes

“…Given the research findings detailing the limited number of interactions that typically occur between staff and residents in residential services (Felce, Lowe, & Blackman, 1995;Felce & Perry, 1995;Hundert, Walton-Allen, Vasdev, Cope, & Summers, 2003;Markova, Jahoda, Cattermole, & Woodward, 1992), it is not surprising to find a body of recent research that is dedicated to changing and improving interactions between residents and the staff who support them. These studies include staff training programs (Chatterton, 1999;Dobson et al, 2002;McLeod, Houston, & Seyfort, 1996;Money, 1997), activity scheduling, direct skill teaching to residents (Sigafoos et al, 2004), and staff management procedures (Seys & Duker, 1993;Suda & Miltenberger, 1993).…”

The Everyday Life of Adults with Down Syndrome

“…(2002) classified the friendships of young people with Down syndrome (12‐ to 24‐year olds), into three levels of increasing intimacy, and concluded that in only five cases (25% of those concerned) could the friendship be said to reach the highest level (friendship as mutual trust and assistance). Markova et al. (1992) also report a low level of interaction between even those in hostels and members of the wider community.…”

Social Interaction with Adults with Severe Intellectual Disability: Having Fun and Hanging Out

“…2001). Unfortunately, paid workers have been observed to provide limited opportunities for social interaction (Hile & Walbran 1991; Markova et al. 1992; Schepsi & Reid 1994).…”

“…1992; Schepsi & Reid 1994). Interactions in congregate care have been described as brief and infrequent, comprising mostly instructions (Hile & Walbran 1991; Markova et al. 1992; Schepsi & Reid 1994).…”