COSTS OF FAMILY CARE FOR ADULTS WITH MENTAL-RETARDATION AND RELATED DEVELOPMENTAL-DISABILITIES

''Out-of-pocket'' spending by families supporting an adult family memb er with mental retardation or related developmental disability was cha racterized and estimated. Annualized nonreimbursed spending among a sa mple of 99 Chicago-area households was evaluated through survey and te lephone interview across 10 categories of routine daily living expense s and disabilities-related services. The average annual out-of-pocket cost was $6,348. Average pre-tak income for the sample households was $37,657. Although wealthier households reported higher levels of spend ing, the percentage of household income represented by out-of-pocket c osts increased significantly as family incomes decreased. Results were discussed in the context of families as a focus for service planning and public policy and the importance of the family to the nation's sys tem of care.