A 3 TO 6-YEAR FOLLOW-UP OF FORMER LONG-STAY RESIDENTS OF MENTAL HANDICAP HOSPITALS IN NORTHERN-IRELAND

Objectives. Little is known about the first cohorts of long-stay hospi tal residents with learning disabilities who moved to the community. T his study describes the pattern of residential reprovision for all for mer long-stay residents discharged from the three mental handicap hosp itals in Northern Ireland between 1987 and 1990 (N = 283) as well as d escribing aspects of quality of life for a smaller sample of people. M ethod. The study employs a retrospective survey design and the method and findings are discussed within a quality of life framework. Informa tion about destinational outcomes between 1987 and 1993 was collected for each former resident. Several instruments were also used to assess material, emotional and. social wellbeing and development and activit y for a 40 per cent sample of people (114/283) discharged from hospita l during 1987-1990 and followed up in 1993. Results. Approximately 70 per cent of residents were discharged to, and subsequently remained in , highly supported settings such as residential and nursing homes. Onl y 3 per cent were discharged to 'independent living' with their own fa milies or foster families. Few of the sample had 'major' problems with daily living skills and serious behavioural problems were uncommon. F ormer patients were also more satisfied with their new homes and repor ted feeling happier, healthier and more independent since discharge. H owever, social networks were poor and there was no evidence to suggest that people were undertaking new or 'ordinary' daytime activities. Co nclusion, Although the material needs of former hospital residents (ma ny of whom may have been 'cream skimmed' from the long-stay population ) appeared to be met and they were content with their new homes in the community, they had a limited choice of mainly private sector accommo dation and few opportunities for personal and social development.