HEALTH-CARE FOR AGING PEOPLE WITH MENTAL-RETARDATION

The health practices and needs of two samples of older individuals wit h mental retardation were examined and contrasted over a period of 5 y ears. Their health status varied markdely, but most had poor health ma intenance practices, and almost all had difficulty communicating with health care providers. Those who lived in community residential facili ties or relatives' homes usually had adequate health care provided for them, whereas individuals who lived more independently had difficulty accessing health care. There is a pressing need for health care advoc acy programs to help prevent chronic disability.