PEOPLE LIVING IN COMMUNITY HOMES: THE INFLUENCES ON THEIR ACTIVITIES

The study investigated the activities of people with learning disabilities in community‐based residential services. The research used a multiple case study design which enabled processes leading to outcomes, such as participation and interaction to be identified. Six people in different services took part in detailed case studies. The data collected included an observational measure of engagement. It was found that the people who spent more time engaged in household activities lived in services which used identified procedures to encourage participation, e.g. rotas of household tasks, carers actively supporting people in meal preparation. Domestic style environments which had been planned to encourage participation in household activities did not achieve this, when such operational guidelines were not put into practice. In services in which people lived in larger groups, it was found that either activities could become repetitive or the size of the group prevented regular participation. Household activities were usually enjoyed, and for some people were a clear source of pride. Group size was found to be an influence on interaction. Interaction was highest in small groups at mealtimes (e.g. four people and a carer), or when people were in groups of two or three participating in a task. Such opportunities are more likely to occur in smaller services. It was concluded that services need to develop strategies to actively encourage both participation in household activities and interaction, but that these can be designed to avoid rigid practices.