Effects of formal and familial residential plans for adults with mental retardation on their aging mothers

Data regarding future residential plans were collected from 141 mothers of adult children with mental retardation. Results demonstrate that greater ca regiving burden was associated with more extensive planning for residence w ithin the formal service system and less planning for residence with a fami ly member. More frequent service use also predicted greater planning for fu ture residence within the formal system. Planning for residence with a fami ly member and higher functional ability on the part of the child significan tly decreased the sense of worry mothers had about the child's future where as plans for the child to reside within the formal system had no associatio n with worry about the future.