JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Understanding the outcomes associated with both receiving and providing support to people with intellectual disability in specific settings can facilitate the alignment of health providers, community care providers, architects and urban planners to strengthen levels of autonomy and community participation of people with intellectual disability living in the community. This study explores the impact of providing support (available 24 hours a day) for people with intellectual disability in a high-density apartment. It seeks the perspectives of people with intellectual disability who have moved into an apartment from a group home (where 4-6 people with disability live), their families and guardians, and the support staff. It will enable comparison between two models of supported accommodation: group homes , or individualised apartments in a community setting.

Objective:

The overall aim of the evaluation is to understand the impact of providing high support for people with intellectual disability in a high-density apartment from the perspectives of those who live and receive support there, their families and guardians, and the support staff who work within this model. The objectives of this study are to explore the impact of an individualised apartment model of supported accommodation in a high-density setting (including its design and location) on: • Wellbeing, autonomy and participation of people with intellectual disability living and receiving support • The experience of providing care/support and the logistics of how support is provided

Methods:

Qualitative research methods were employed as the primary means of collecting and analysing data. There are two main sources of data in this study; Firstly, semi-structured interviews with participants in up to 3 waves (pre, post1, post2); Secondly, pre and post-occupancy evaluation data on the design, layout and location details of the built environments. Coded interview data will be paired with pre/post-occupancy evaluations of the two accommodation settings.

Results:

As of May 2020, we have recruited 55 participants. There have been 96 interviews conducted in 2 waves with people who have moved in to supported accommodation, families and staff. Collected data is currently being analysed. We expect the results of the trial to be published in a peer review journal late 2020.

Conclusions:

This paper sets out a study of an alternative housing and support model for people with intellectual disability. It will capture personal experiences of people with intellectual disability receiving support in an apartment compared to their experiences in a group home. It will also capture the experiences of support staff working in the new setting and reveal how this differs from a group home setting. The inclusion of pre (group home) and post (apartment integrated into a community setting) measures addresses evaluative and comparative questions around the nature and impacts of the small-scale apartment and support model for both those who live and receive support, and those who support them.