Uncertain future: experiences and expectations of people with mental handicaps of life beyond the hospital and hostel

Abstract

This paper is based on a study of the experiences of a small number of people with mental handicaps living in a hospital and a local authority hostel. They all expected to leave long stay accommodation. Their experience of the relatively lengthy periods spent in the hospital and the hostel is thought to have implications for the ways in which they may adapt to imminent changes in their lives. Some of their hopes and uncertainties, and those of staff who know them well, are described and discussed.