ABSTRACT
We described in Chapter 1 the process by which individuals from long stay hospitals, hostels and, indeed, their own family homes were progressively moving into settings demanding either a relatively high level of independent functioning or some necessary support. These ranged from their own flat or house, through warden controlled accommodation, to staffed, small group homes. In addition, we should remind ourselves that several individuals lived with older parents or with their siblings. In this chapter we will review the available information on how friends and neighbours support individuals with mental handicap and their families, and also how families cope with a member with mental handicap as they age, considering too, the long term pattern of adaptation as people get older.
