Deinstitutionalization for older adults with severe mental retardation: results from Australia

A deinstitutionalization research project in which residents from the largest institution in Queensland, Australia, were relocated after a government decision to close the center was described. Outcomes of relocation into community living for adults with severe mental retardation, many of whom were older (over 40 years) and had been institutionalized for much of their lives, was addressed within the Australian context. Results from the relocation and outcomes for people aged 20 to 39 years (n = 37), 40 to 59 years (n = 39), and over 60 years (n = 24) were described. Group results focused on adaptive and maladaptive behavior, choice-making, and objective life quality were discussed together with the implications for service provision.