Work

‘It's Got Its Ups and Downs’: What People With Intellectual Disabilities Living in Supported Living and Residential Care Like and Dislike About Their Home

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Given the current sociopolitical climate, people with intellectual disabilities are spending more time at home. Much housing-related research focuses on informant-completed measures and quantifiable outcomes. By contrast, this article explores the perspectives of adults with intellectual disabilities concerning what they liked or disliked about their homes. METHOD: Data is drawn from 53 semi-structured interviews with people with intellectual disabilities in supported living or residential care in England. RESULTS: Three themes were generated: space and place; people make or break a home; and day-to-day autonomy. These highlight the importance of belonging and the significance of other people in the creation of 'home'. CONCLUSION: If people are to flourish, attention must be paid to aspects of the home that provide comfort, enjoyment, and a sense of belonging. These findings can benefit professionals, family members and people with intellectual disabilities, when considering current or future living arrangements.

Source: Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities

DOI: 10.1111/jar.13313

Authors: Francesca Ribenfors, Lauren Blood, Chris Hatton, Anna Marriott

Institution: Manchester Metropolitan University

Language: English

Topic: Down syndrome and intellectual disability research

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,550