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An evaluation of the effects of relocation within institutions: Part 3. The effects of relocation
Author(s) -
Firth Hugh,
Holtom Rebecca,
Mayor Janet,
Wood Andy
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
journal of the british institute of mental handicap (apex)
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.633
H-Index - 39
eISSN - 1468-3156
pISSN - 0261-9997
DOI - 10.1111/j.1468-3156.1990.tb00600.x
Subject(s) - relocation , overcrowding , control (management) , psychology , mental health , medicine , gerontology , social psychology , psychiatry , political science , management , computer science , law , programming language , economics
Relocation, as a result of policies over which they have no control, is a fact of life for many people living in long‐stay institutions. The first article in this series presented the findings of recent research into the effects of relocation, identified vulnerable client groups, and recommended guidelines for good practice. The second described the action taken to minimise the adverse effects of relocating many residents to reduce overcrowding, using the conclusions and recommendations of the first article. This article describes a study of the health, behaviour, and social interaction of three groups of residents: a group of 89 residents who moved; a control group of 77 residents, matched for age, sex, type of ward, and degree of ability; and a group of 40 residents who experienced disruption but no actual move. Results indicated few overall changes in residents' physical health, but strongly suggested that some people with severe mental handicaps who are withdrawn or non‐communicative may show weight loss, disturbed behaviour, or increased likelihood of minor illness following the disruption caused by relocation.