Clients' community and social contacts: results of a 5-year longitudinal study

Clients' contacts with a range of community amenities and with their friends and relatives were examined to assess the impact of a new community-based service. Results over a 5-year period were compared for clients in different residential settings: supported ordinary housing, mental handicap hospital and private family homes. Findings indicated increased use of community amenities for those in supported housing and in their family homes. Little change was noted in clients' contact with relatives, and the paucity of social contact with friends was highlighted. Use of community amenities in relation to the development of social networks is discussed.