How much will it cost? Characteristics of the most expensive residential placements for adults with learning disabilities

Authors:
McGILL Peter, POYNTER Jo
Journal article citation:
Tizard Learning Disability Review, 16(2), April 2011, pp.54-57.
Publisher:
Emerald

The high cost of residential services for some adults with learning disabilities is of concern, especially in a period of financial retrenchment in publicly funded services. Valuing People Now (DH, 2009) acknowledged that too often people are sent to expensive out-of-area placements. This collaborative research between the Valuing People Now Team, the Challenging Behaviour National Strategy Group and the Tizard Centre aimed to identify the characteristics of the highest-cost placements in the South-East of England. Between November 2009 and June 2010 commissioners in 19 local authority areas were asked to provide information on their 5 most expensive adult placements. Information was provided on 70 placements from 14 of the areas. The mean placement cost was £172,000 per annum, with a range from £83,000 to £333,000. The article discusses the individual characteristics, placement characteristics, differences between in-area and out-of-area placements, and predictors of higher costs. The article concludes that a small number of placements consume a significant amount of local authority resources. On average the authorities surveyed spent £0.9 million annually on their 5 most expensive placements. Suggestions for further research are provided.

Subject terms:
learning disabilities, local authorities, placement, residential care, expenditure;
Content type:
research
Location(s):
England
Link:
Journal home page
ISSN print:
1359-5474

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