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Deinstitutionalization and quality of life of individuals with intellectual disability: a review of the international literature
- Authors:
- CHOWDHURY Monali, BENSON Betsey A.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 8(4), December 2011, pp.256-265.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Deinstitutionalisation of individuals with intellectual disabilities is based on the idea that quality of life (QOL) will improve after being moved from institutions to community-based care settings. This international review investigated whether this assumption has become a reality now that the policy of deinstitutionalisation has progressed in many countries. Fifteen studies were examined that assessed QOL as an outcome of community living following deinstitutionalisation. Findings suggested that relocation had a general positive impact on life quality of participants. However, many of the studies found that improvements were most prominent shortly after the move. Participants continued to have low levels of community integration, and there was evidence that healthcare needs were not adequately met in the community. The role of service providers was indicated as vital in the continued development of participants' life quality. The authors concluded that additional research is required to identify the factors that are critical in improving QOL in community-based care.