RISP Data Bytes

Background

The size and type of non-family settings in which people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) live has been shifting since institutions began downsizing in the 1960s. With access to Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) funding more people with IDD are living in very small settings.

Key Finding

The number of people with IDD getting services while living in settings other than the home of a family member increased from 403,066 in 2000 to 551,017 in 2020. During that time, the number of people living in their own home increased from 73,147 (18 percent) to 154,634 (28 percent). The number living in a host/foster home or group setting of three or fewer increased from 78,680 (20 percent) to 148,629 (27 percent). The number living in a group setting of four or more decreased from 251,239 (62 percent) to 247,754 (45 percent).

A horizontal stacked bar chart shows the number of people with IDD living in various non-institutional settings. There are five bars each representing a year beginning in 2000 through 2020 in five-year increments. Each bar contains three segments that represent group settings of four or more, host/foster or group settings of three or fewer, and own home.

· In 2000 there were 251,239 individuals living in a group setting of four or more, 78,680 living in a host/foster or group setting of three or fewer, and 73,147 living in their own home.

· In 2005 there were 257,381 individuals living in a group setting of four or more, 84,423 living in a host/foster or group setting of three or fewer, and 101,143 living in their own home.

· In 2010 there were 250,718 individuals living in a group setting of four or more, 102,644 living in a host/foster or group setting of three or fewer, and 127,455 living in their own home.

· In 2015 there were 254,733 individuals living in a group setting of four or more, 152,417 living in a host/foster or group setting of three or fewer, and 131,822 living in their own home.

· In 2020 there were 247,754 individuals living in a group setting of four or more, 148,629 living in a host/foster or group setting of three or fewer, and 154,634 living in their own home.

Recommendations

Living arrangements for people with IDD not living with a family member have shifted away from group homes to people’s own home, host or foster family homes, or homes shared by three or fewer people. This shift has mostly happened as states have increased access to supports in settings other than group homes. States should continue to reduce the use of group settings of four or more people and to expand access to support offered in a person’s own home, a host or foster family home, or very small group settings.