Abstract
The population of individuals with developmental disabilities has steadily risen as longevity has increased and definitions of developmental disability have expanded. With this increase, the need for services and supports that meet the unique needs of this population has grown. Once housed in large institutions that provided bleak custodial care, the normalization movement begun in the 1960s, has resulted in efforts to integrate this group of individuals into society. This has necessitated a variety of services and supports to meet the needs of these individuals and their families in settings that range from in-home care with family, to living out-of-home, independently, or in community-based facilities. The primary purpose of this study was to examine factors that impact the decision to care for individuals in-home or to seek out-of-home placement; data was collected via a survey of parents and primary caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities from a small sample in Yolo County and the greater Sacramento region. Findings from this study suggest a combination and accumulation of factors determine placement of individuals with developmental disabilities, rather than a single deciding factor. This study also found Hispanic/Latino parents or primary caregivers to be more likely to care for their loved one in-home, while White respondents placed their loved ones with developmental disabilities out-of-home more frequently. With increased knowledge and a better understanding of the various factors and cultural dynamics associated with caring for individuals with developmental disabilities, service providers may better address their unique needs.