Residential aged care for people with intellectual disability: a matter of perspective

This paper explores the experiences of older people with intellectual disability (ID) who moved from a group home to residential aged care, from the perspective of family members, aged care staff and former group home staff.

Interviews were conducted with staff and family members associated with 10 people with ID who recently moved from disability group homes into nine aged care residential facilities. Dimensional analysis was used to analyse 31 interviews.

Aged care staff focused primarily on health outcomes and identified and addressed several previously undiagnosed conditions. The primary concern of staff from the residents' former group homes was social isolation. Families acknowledged the health benefits but were equally concerned about social isolation.

The findings highlight the importance of addressing health and social needs of people with ID and indicate that an increased accountability for both social and clinical outcomes is required.