Search results for ‘Subject term:"learning disabilities"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 2 of 2
Residential provision for adult persons with intellectual disabilities in Ireland
- Authors:
- MULVANY Fiona, BARRON Steve, McCONKEY Roy
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 20(2), March 2007, pp.70-76.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
The type of accommodation provided for persons with an intellectual disability is a major indicator of the social policy for this client group. This is likely to vary within and across countries; hence the importance of undertaking national and international comparisons. Estimations of future need are also required to assist service planning. This study aimed to identify the characteristics of all persons placed in the different accommodation options available in the island of Ireland, and the differences across the two service systems. A database of all persons in receipt of intellectual disability services has been operating in the Republic of Ireland since 1995. In Northern Ireland, regional databases were used to provide similar information. Around 10 000 people live in some form of residential provision: 56% in special settings, 35% in ordinary housing and 9% in hospitals. Most residents were classed as having 'severe' disabilities and were aged over 35 years. There were marked differences in the amount and type of provision provided in the two parts of the island. This was also mirrored in differences across health service areas within each country. The demand for future places was greater in Northern Ireland. A planning target of 3.5 places per 1000 adult population is proposed although substantial investments in services is required to achieve this. Longitudinal surveys are an important way of monitoring the impact of new policy initiatives.
Moving from long-stay hospitals: the views from Northern Irish patients and relatives
- Authors:
- McCONKEY Roy, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Learning Disabilities, 7(1), March 2003, pp.78-93.
- Publisher:
- Sage
A cohort of 68 persons had been resettled from a long-stay hospital over a 5 year period, with over 90 percent moving to residential and nursing homes. Interviews were conducted with 39 residents and 34 relatives. Residents had more likes and fewer dislikes about their present accommodation than about the hospital. Nearly all were happy to have moved. A minority of families had been unhappy before the move. After the move, all families felt the residence was at least equivalent to the hospital, with most rating it as much better. Families liked the staff, the atmosphere, the buildings, and the individual rooms. They disliked the congregated living models, the failure of people to move on, and the dearth of social networks. Recommendations include increased awareness of new housing and support options, regular reviews of clients' needs and aspirations, and opportunities for access to independent advocacy services.