ABSTRACT

Natural supports are informal (unpaid) relationships that support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in their natural environments and communities. A wide range of people can serve as natural supports for people with IDD, such as family (both biological and chosen), friends, neighbors, community members, etc. Natural supports can positively impact people’s relationships, and community integration. The aim of this study was to examine the connection between natural supports for people with IDD, quality of life, and service expenditures. To do so, we analyzed secondary Personal Outcome Measures® quality of life data and service expenditure data (n = 251) using linear regression models. Our findings suggest people with IDD with natural supports have a better quality of life than people without natural supports. In addition, LTSS service expenditures were $20,000 lower on average for people with IDD with natural supports compared to people without natural supports, regardless of their demographics. As such, we believe natural supports have the potential to improve people with IDD’s lives, build their relationships, and help them integrate into their communities. However, there is danger in utilizing natural supports in lieu of formal services solely for cost-cutting, particularly in a service system that is already underfunded.

摘要

自然支持是非正式的（无偿的）关系，在自然环境和社区中为智障和发育障碍（IDD）的人们提供支持。广泛的人可以为IDD的人提供自然支持，例如家庭（无论是生物学上的还是被选择的），朋友，邻居，社区成员等。自然支持可以对人际关系和社区融合产生积极影响。这项研究的目的是检验对IDD患者的自然支持，生活质量和服务支出之间的联系。为此，我们分析了二级个人结果衡量®生活质量数据和服务支出数据（n= 251）使用线性回归模型。我们的研究结果表明，拥有自然支持的IDD患者比没有自然支持的人们的生活质量更高。此外，与没有自然支持的人相比，有自然支持的IDD人的LTSS服务支出平均要低20,000美元，而不论其人口统计如何。因此，我们认为自然支持有可能改善IDD的人们的生活，建立他们的关系，并帮助他们融入社区。但是，存在着利用自然支持来代替正式服务而仅出于削减成本的危险，特别是在已经资金不足的服务系统中。