'It's Got Its Ups and Downs': What People With Intellectual Disabilities Living in Supported Living and Residential Care Like and Dislike About Their Home

Abstract

Background: Given the current sociopolitical climate, people with intellectual disabilities are spending more time at home. Much housing-related research focuses on informant-completed measures and quantifiable outcomes. By contrast, this article explores the perspectives of adults with intellectual disabilities concerning what they liked or disliked about their homes.

Method: Data is drawn from 53 semi-structured interviews with people with intellectual disabilities in supported living or residential care in England.

Results: Three themes were generated: space and place; people make or break a home; and day-to-day autonomy. These highlight the importance of belonging and the significance of other people in the creation of 'home'.

Conclusion: If people are to flourish, attention must be paid to aspects of the home that provide comfort, enjoyment, and a sense of belonging. These findings can benefit professionals, family members and people with intellectual disabilities, when considering current or future living arrangements.

Keywords: belonging; housing; intellectual disability; residential care; supported living.