AGING PARENTS RESIDENTIAL PLANS FOR ADULT CHILDREN WITH MENTAL-RETARDATION

Future residential plans and placement preferences of 340 mothers of a dult children with mental retardation living at home were examined and findings from a 3-year follow-up discussed. Four subgroups of familie s were compared based upon residential plans and preferences for conti nued home residence for the next 2 years. Significant group difference s were found for background characteristics, maternal psychological we ll-being, and support systems. Less than 50% had made residential plan s, and the majority believed their child would still be at home in 2 y ears. At 3-year follow-up, 22% of the families with short-term residen tial plans had achieved a placement compared to 14% among families wit hout a plan who wanted a placement.