Loneliness in Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Author Information
Author(s): Stokes Jeffrey, Waldron Danielle, Stam Elisabeth
Primary Institution: University of Massachusetts Boston
Hypothesis
Does living situation affect loneliness among adults aging with intellectual and developmental disabilities?
Conclusion
Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in care facilities experience greater loneliness than those living in the community.
Supporting Evidence
- Adults aging with I/DD in ICF and nursing facilities reported significantly greater loneliness than those living in the community.
- Having friends was associated with reduced loneliness overall.
- Having friends reduced loneliness for those living in the community, but not for those in ICF or nursing facilities.
Takeaway
Older adults with disabilities feel lonelier when they live in care homes compared to living with family or in the community.
Methodology
Panel data from the National Core Indicators In-Person Survey was analyzed using multilevel logistic regression models.
Participant Demographics
Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities receiving state services across 49 states.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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