Active support as good support in group homes? A longitudinal interview study with service users.

Area of Science:

• Disability Studies
• Healthcare Quality Improvement
• Social Work

Background:

• Staff support is crucial for the quality of life of individuals with intellectual disability.
• This study examines service users' perceptions of Active Support as effective care.
• The research assesses if Active Support enhances the quality of everyday support in group home settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate service users' perspectives on Active Support.
• To determine if Active Support training improves the quality of everyday support in group homes.
• To explore the impact of Active Support on the quality of life for individuals with intellectual disability.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving nine service users in group homes.
• Interviews conducted at baseline and one-year follow-up after staff training.
• Thematic analysis of interview data to identify key themes.

Main Results:

• Three primary themes emerged: 'Home is more than just a place, it is a feeling,' 'Good care is caring with accessible communication,' and 'Time is precious.'
• Participants reported higher satisfaction with support at follow-up, including choice-making, daily life control, relationships, and emotional support.
• Active Support aligns with service users' views of high-quality care.

Conclusions:

• Active Support is perceived positively by service users and aligns with their definition of good support.
• Future research should incorporate service users' perspectives in evaluating Active Support interventions.
• The findings highlight the importance of person-centered approaches in supporting individuals with intellectual disability.