Choice of living arrangements

Area of Science:

• Social Science
• Disability Studies
• Public Health

Background:

• The right to choose living arrangements and companions is widely recognized but often restricted for adults with intellectual disabilities (ID).
• This study assesses the current extent of choice in living situations for adults receiving services in the USA.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a contemporary benchmark for the level of choice adults with ID exercise in their living arrangements.
• To identify factors influencing choice in living situations among adults with ID.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the National Core Indicators program.
• Analyzed data from 6778 adult service users with ID residing in non-family settings across 26 US states.

Main Results:

• A majority of adults with ID reported limited participation in choosing their residence and companions.
• Individuals with greater support needs due to severe ID or co-occurring conditions had less control over their living arrangements.
• Those in personal homes or agency-operated apartments had more choice compared to individuals in nursing homes, institutions, or group homes.
• Choice in living arrangements was minimal for individuals with severe or profound ID, irrespective of their housing type.

Conclusions:

• Despite policies promoting community living and choice, many US adults with ID experienced restricted autonomy in 2008, particularly those with severe ID.
• Findings support policies advocating for individualized living settings, such as personal homes or agency apartments, which demonstrably enhance choice in living arrangements.