Many community residential programs were criticized because they had, to a large extent, simply transferred institutional practices to the community. Many residents remained isolated and dependent on paid staff instead of becoming active participants in their communities. Advocates are now exploring new ways to support people with mental retardation in choosing the kind of home they want to live in and enabling them to live as independently as they desire. A variety of options currently exist. Staff provide care, supervision and training for one to eight nonrelated people with mental retardation.
People live alone or with roommates in semi-independent units or apartments.
Staff live in a separate unit in the same location. One or more people with mental retardation live with a family who provides care as needed. Staff provide assistance with dressing, bathing or other personal care, but provide no training for residents. A staff-supervised program that provides sleeping rooms and meals. Staff do not provide formal training or assist with dressing, bathing or other usual personal care.