Mortality of persons with developmental disabilities after transfer into community care: a 1996 update

More than 2,000 persons with developmental disabilities have recently been transferred from California institutions into community care. Using data on 1,878 clients moved between April 1993 and December 1995, Strauss et al. (1998) found a corresponding increase in mortality rates. In the present report we update that study by analyzing 1996 data. There were 36 deaths, an 88% increase in risk-adjusted mortality over that expected in institutions, p < .01. We again found that persons transferred later were at higher risk than those moving earlier, even after adjustment for differences in risk profiles. In the highest functioning group, the community mortality rate was tripled. Death certificate information was also analyzed.