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The small ICF/MR program: dimensions of quality and cost
1Center for Outcome Analysis, Ardmore, PA 19003, USA.
Mental Retardation
|February 1, 1996
Summary
People in community living arrangements had better quality of life than those in small Intermediate Care Facilities for the Mentally Retarded (ICFs/MR). This suggests flexible residential supports may offer superior outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Quality of life is a key outcome for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
- Residential care models vary, impacting resident well-being and quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare quality of life dimensions for individuals in small Intermediate Care Facilities for the Mentally Retarded (ICFs/MR) versus other community living arrangements.
- To identify which residential settings yield better quality of life outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A matched comparison design was employed, matching 51 individuals from small ICFs/MR with individuals from community settings.
- Matching criteria included adaptive behavior, challenging behavior, age, and gender.
- Thirty-five indicators of quality of life were analyzed using data from 1988 to 1992.
Main Results:
- Individuals in non-ICF community settings demonstrated superior quality of life outcomes on 10 of the 35 measured indicators.
- No quality indicators were superior for individuals residing in ICFs/MR.
- Costs were not explicitly detailed but implied to be comparable or lower for non-ICF settings.
Conclusions:
- Less regulated and more flexible community-based residential support models may lead to better quality of life for individuals compared to ICFs/MR.
- Findings support a shift towards community living arrangements for improved resident outcomes.