No ordinary adult life: Living conditions from the perspective of adults with intellectual disabilities

Abstract

This study focuses on the subjective experience of the living conditions of adults with intellectual disabilities as related to the Uppsala Quality of Life model (UQoL2). Eleven semi-structured interviews were conducted to study issues raised by people with intellectual disabilities. Study participants had their own home, either in an ordinary dwelling or group home. The findings show that the dependence on support in daily life infringes on the sense of adult social status and control of life. Staff and family had a mandate to define Quality of Life, which countered the possibilities of a life based on the preferences of those with intellectual disabilities. Knowledge about factors that affect living conditions, one of the social determinants of health, has implications for public health in general and the development of society’s efforts for people who are in lifelong dependence on support and service from others.

Ordinary Life

“…When I was preparing the running order for this issue, I was struck by the title of one of the papers. Carlsson and Adolfsson, 2023 write about ordinary adult life from the perspectives of people with intellectual disabilities. The mention of an ‘ordinary life’ struck a note with me as I wondered what the concept might include.…”