The Correlates and Predictors of Residential Living for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

Historically, residential supports and services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) were provided by institutions. Currently, studies show that adults with IDD are more likely to be living in the family home than any other location. There have been various conflicting and limited studies on the correlates that predict residential status. In this study, 518 respondents answered a web-based survey with three sections, (1) demographic information of the respondent and family, (2) characteristic information of the adult with a disability, and (3) information on residential services and supports. Adults with IDD were mostly residing in the family home with parents (57.5%), then group homes (19.5%), then living independently with/without supports (10.1%), and at very low rates in all other settings (< .2% for each setting). Both parent and adult predictors emerged for living at vs. away from home. The adult with IDD was more likely to live at home when the parents were alive, had better health and a greater ability to care for the adult; adults were also more likely to live at home when they were younger and were higher functioning. When examining independent living, adults with IDD were more likely to live independently when they had better adaptive skills, and those with ASD were more likely to live at home than away. Implications for policy, practice, future research, and limitations are discussed.