title: Summary of national survey of older people with mental retardation in New Zealand.
abstract: The present paper is a summary of a national project to investigate prevalence, health status, and service needs of people with mental retardation born before 1940. In 1990, 42% of this population resided in institutions, 7% with family, 13% in nursing homes, and 38% in community-based residential facilities. Of 1,063 identified, 135 had Down syndrome, 25% had psychiatric diagnosis, 17% had epilepsy, and 23% had no major disability. About 32% had visual problems, 40% had weight problems, and 75% received regular medication. Of this population, 75% had at least occasional contact with their families. Major needs identified were medical care, community, and recreational services.
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Health, School of Medicine, Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Hand
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000453:epidemiology*; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence