Information for Parents

Close the Doors: Community for All!

Especially for Parents

Many parents who have children living in institutions are happy to see their family members moving out into the community. Others are concerned about the move. Their concerns include the following: "Will my son be safe in the community?" "Will she have friends?" "Will I be able to visit him?" "Will she always have a home to live in?" "Did I make a mistake by institutionalizing my son?"

There have been many studies that looked at parent attitudes before and after institutionalization. One study, conducted by (Larson and Lakin, 1991) reviewed 21 studies that looked at parental attitudes and expectations. From these studies they made the following conclusions:

The vast majority of parents were satisfied (secure, content and comfortable) with their family member living in an institution.

Eleven of the studies asked parents questions before their son or daughter moved. Ninety-one (91) percent said they were somewhat or very satisfied with the institution. Only 21% of the parents supported the idea of having their son or daughter move to the community.

The vast majority of parents changed their attitudes about community placement after their family member moved.

Four studies surveyed parents before and after their family member moved. Only 15% of these parents had a positive reaction about their son or daughter moving before the move. After the move, 62% of the parents expressed a positive opinion about the move to the community.

Before the move, 83% of the parents reported satisfaction with the institution. After the move 87% were satisfied with the community.

After experiencing community services, parents viewed the institution less positively than they did when their family member lived there.

Seven studies interviewed parents whose sons or daughters had moved into the community about their satisfaction with the institution, the community and their opinion on the move. Only 51% said they had a positive reaction about their family member moving to a community home before it happened. This compares with 83% predischarge rate of satisfaction with the institution and 15% of rate of support for the move. The same parents reported an 88% rate of satisfaction with their children's community living experience.

Parents observed improved quality of life and relationships for their family member after the move.

In five studies, more than 65% of the parents reported after the move that their family member was happier, that relationships between their son or daughter and other people improved, that needed services were available and that the staff members in the home were fine. Fewer than 12% reported negative changes in these areas.

It's difficult to accept change and to risk failure especially when our children are at the center of the risk taking. However, as the studies show, the risk is probably less than our fears perceive. If the quality of our child's life improves, if (s)he is happier and has more friends, if our relationship with our children improves, isn't it worth the risk?