Date Presented 03/23/24
During COVID, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) were forced to move into restricted housing with family or new environments. Even when allowed to remain in their home, they often experienced a loss of routine and social connectedness, creating isolation and loneliness.
Primary Author and Speaker: Karla Ausderau
Additional Authors and Speakers: Hannah Laufenberg, Allison Caudill
PURPOSE: Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) experienced significant disruptions in their housing during COVID-19. The purpose of this study was to investigate how the pandemic affected housing status and satisfaction during COVID for adults with IDD.
DESIGN: A narrative interview design was completed with adults with IDD (n=40). Participants were 18 years or older and able to participate in a verbal interview and adapted consent or assent process. Participants were recruited through advertisements and local community partners.
METHOD: All participants completed one verbal semi-structured interview that lasted 1 - 2 hours. A narrative analytical approach was used to identify meaningful stories and themes related to physical and contextual housing experiences within and across participants Interviews were coded by multiple team members and member checking was implemented.
RESULTS: Three primary themes, 1) my house is no longer my home, 2) please don’t make me go, and 3) I am safe but not happy, described the housing changes experienced by participants. Participant stories will be used to illustrate identified themes.
CONCLUSION: The context of the pandemic significantly changed the physical housing opportunities for people with IDD. Adults with IDD were often forced to move into more restricted housing situations due to the level of support they required that could no longer be provided in their housing environments. While some adults with IDD were able to continue to live in the same location, they were restricted in being able to leave their rooms, participate in daily activities within their homes, or have autonomy over their decisions within their home environment. These changes significantly impacted individuals’ physical and mental well-being. Findings can support adults who continue to struggle to return to meaningful and independent living and prepare for future health crises that will impact housing stability.
References
Friedman, C. (2021). The COVID-19 pandemic and quality of life outcomes of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Disability and Health Journal, 14(4), 101117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dhjo.2021.101117
Gleason, J., Ross, W., Fossi, A., Blonsk, H., Tobias, J., & Stephens, M. (2021). The Devastating Impact of Covid-19 on Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities in the United States. NEJM Catalyst Innovations in Care Delivery. https://catalyst.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/CAT.21.0051
Landes, S. D., Turk, M. A., Formica, M. K., McDonald, K. E., & Stevens, J. D. (2020). COVID-19 outcomes among people with intellectual and developmental disability living in residential group homes in New York State. 13(4), 100969–100969. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dhjo.2020.100969
