Medical Conditions, Level of Care Needs, and Health-Related Outcomes of Persons with Mental Retardation: A Review

Abstract

A literature review wasconducted to analyze existing data on health needs ofpeople with mental retardation and possible barriers to integration in the community. Information was obtained on medical conditions, level ofcare needed, and health-related outcomes. The type and range of medicalcare, resources, and support servicesneededto maintain individuals with medicalproblems were identified, as were barriers to and recommendations for the provision of community-based medical care. Although there are barriers to the provision of services to people with mental retardation and allied medicalconditions, there are people who currently live in the community who have the same type of medical conditions and whorequire the same levelofcareneeded as those who live in institutions. Medical services are typically, but not always, available to persons with mental retardation whoreside in the community. Availability and access to services are addressed. Recommendations for future research and policy implications are presented.

The effects of deinstitutionalization on adults with learning disabilities

“…Asberg 1989). Hayden & DePaepe (1991) have pointed out that paying attention to the health-related needs of people with learning disabilities is a challenge for community-based services, and Lindsay (1991) has made a similar point about the psychological health of clients, arguing that persons with learning disabilities should have access to the same range of psychological therapies as other citizens.…”

Health Disparities among Adults with Developmental Disabilities, Adults with other Disabilities, and Adults Not Reporting Disability in North Carolina

“…The existing research suggests that, with few exceptions, the prevalences of chronic health conditions (including cardiovascular disease, cancer, lung conditions, and diabetes) in individuals with mental retardation are similar to those in the general population. 3,[7][8][9] Understanding the risk factors for secondary conditions and strategies for their prevention is important to people with disabilities, rehabilitation service providers, and public health agencies. A study of secondary conditions among adults with developmental disabilities in Montana reported limitations due to communication problems, poor physical fitness, low frustration tolerance, and weight problems.…”

Examining Outpatient Health Care Utilization Among Adults with Severe or Profound Intellectual Disabilities Living in an Urban Setting

“…They are faced with many challenges in understanding and maintaining their health (Barr, 1999) and lack access to adequate health services (President's Committee on Mental Retardation, 1999). In fact, the health care needs of people with ID and their access to quality health services has been of limited research concern (Garrard, 1982;Hayden & DePaepe, 1991;Ziring, Katsner, Friedman, Pond, Barnett, Sonnenberg, & Strassburger, 1988). A recent review of the literature by Hayden, Kim, and DePaepe (2005) found that people with ID and significant medical conditions, who live in the community, receive disparate treatment.…”