ACTIVITIES OF PEOPLE WITH MODERATE TO SEVERE LEARNING-DIFFICULTIES - LIVING WITH PURPOSE OR JUST KILLING TIME

In this study, intensive observational methods were used to examine th e daily flow of activity of 12 people with moderate to severe learning difficulties living in long-stay hospital, and 12 people living in co mmunity based hostels. This covered the participants' full waking day and included weekend observations. The qualitative findings demonstrat ed how the participants played an active part in determining their own lifestyles. A number of more active hospital participants dealt with the unstimulating functional regime by attempting to create a social n iche for themselves. A number of less active participants coped with t he hospital environment by withdrawing into themselves and engaging in stereotypical behaviour to mark the passing of time. While the hostel s provided a more homely and supportive environment, the participants tended to occupy a peripheral status as the least able people in the h ostels and day centres. Consequently, they often had to seek staff sup port for activity or turned inwards. The quantitative findings followe d a similar pattern of results to previous research in this area.