A longitudinal study of the quality of life of older people with intellectual disability after leaving hospital.

A study was made of the quality of life of 29 older people with intellectual disability who left hospital to live in ordinary three- or four-bedroom houses. A short version of the Questionnaire on Quality of Life was used to measure quality of life before moving and at three points in the first 53 months after changing residence. Results showed that there were improvements in quality-of-life subscales in the first 41 months with an eventual levelling out after 53 months. Social and leisure activity have been identified as particular important in the quality of life of older people. Therefore, items from the scale that measure participation in community leisure activities, contact with people without intellectual disability during these activities and engagement in leisure activities within the home were selected for detailed analysis. These data also showed increased activity and contacts in the first 41 months with a levelling out after 53 months.