Abstract
Programs and services received by a national sample of 336 persons with mental retardation in 181 foster homes, non-Intermediate Care Facility for the Mentally Retarded (ICF-MR) group homes, and ICF-MR-certified group homes of 6 or fewer residents are described. In the previous 12 months 85% of residents had been visited at least twice by a case manager, 99% had seen a physician, and 95% had visited a dentist. In all, 95% of 750 residents of the 181 sampled facilities had day time vocational or developmental programs away from the residence, but supported or competitive jobs were held by only 5% of the adults below age 65. Specialized services (e.g., those services provided by medical specialists, therapists, counselors, and psychologists) utilization was considerably higher for residents of ICF-MR-certified group homes as were the per resident costs of care. Multiple regression analysis found living in an ICF-MR to be a better predictor of hours of specialized services received than the physical, sensory, intellectual, or functional characteristics of residents.
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