The Quality of Life of People 12 Years after Resettlement from Long Stay Hospitals: Users' views on their living environment, daily activities and future aspirations

Abstract

We report service users' views on three important domains of their quality of life in the community 12 years after resettlement for long-stay hospitals. These concerned their living environments, daily activities and future aspirations. We asked a series of open questions as part of a structured interview with service users with learning disabilities (n 5 196) and mental health problems (n 5 102). The study is the longest reported follow-up of deinstitutionalisation in the UK and one of the longest anywhere in the world. The most frequently self-reported positive aspects of users' quality of life were the living environment, the social milieu and independence. The most frequently mentioned problems occurred within the social milieu and included bullying, the social regime, the physical aspects of the accommodation, and the personal feelings of loneliness and boredom. The most preferred activities were outings, education and work, relaxation and leisure. The most disliked activities were household chores and having nothing to do. About half those interviewed did not or could not answer a question about their future; those who did mentioned a wish for greater independence, more outings and personal and sexual relationships. We remark on some implications for services and for staff training.

Social inclusion and choice for adults with learning disabilities: Some lessons from reprovisioning

“…Unlike most of the general population, there is evidence that people in residential care units have little or no choice, at the outset or subsequently, about the people with whom they share their lives (Forrester-Jones et al 2002). Given that social relationships can have a profound effect on the quality of life of users (Forrester-Jones et al 2002), if long-term community living is to provide a reasonable quality of life, the social milieu and relationships between users should be taken into account.…”

“…Given that social relationships can have a profound effect on the quality of life of users (Forrester-Jones et al 2002), if long-term community living is to provide a reasonable quality of life, the social milieu and relationships between users should be taken into account.…”

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“…The principle reason for people with disability not to practice sport is associated with a preference for activities that are passive or sedentary such as watching television, listening to music or simply not doing anything (Beart et al, 2001;Forrester-Jones et al, 2002) which brings about feelings of frustration, boredom or loneliness. Yet, when they participate in sport, (Ríos, M et al, 2010) the more popular are indoor soccer, adapted sports, basketball, swimming or paddling.…”

Within These Walls: The Effects of Environment on Social Work Practice in Prisons

“…The environment affects people's interactions, daily activities and sense of well-being (Peak 2000;Kuo 2001;Forrester-Jones et al 2002). The environment evokes within people feelings about themselves, others and the world in general (Pennartz and Elsinger 1990;Gutheil 1992;Baker and Donelly 2001;Wagner, Van Reyk and Spence 2001).…”