Users' views on aspects of their quality of life twelve years after resettlement form long stay hospital

Service users’ views on three important domains of their quality of life: their living environments, daily activities and future aspirations were sought. A series of open questions was asked as part of a structured interview with service users with learning disabilities (N = 196), twelve years after leaving long stay hospitals. The most frequently self-reported positive aspects of users’ quality of life were the living environment, the social milieu and independence. The most frequently mentioned problems occurred within the social milieu and included bullying, the social regime, the physical aspects of the accommodation, and the personal feelings of loneliness and boredom. The most preferred activities were outings, education and work, relaxation and leisure. The most disliked activities were household chores and having nothing to do. About half those interviewed did not, or could not answer a question about their future; those who did mentioned a wish for greater independence, more outings and personal and sexual relationships. Implications for services and for staff training are noted.