Comparing Costs and Outcomes of Supported Living with Group Homes in Australia

Background: Supported living is perceived as more flexible than group homes for people with intellectual disability. This study identified costs and factors associated with quality of life (QOL) in supported living and compared this with group homes. Method: Thirty-one residents in supported living participated in a survey incorporating measures of service user characteristics and QOL. Participants in supported living were compared to a sample of 397 people in 96 group homes, and QOL outcomes compared for a matched sample of 29 people in supported living and group homes. Results: QOL differed little, supported living was cheaper, and 30-35% of both groups had similar support needs. Being younger, having autism, better health, family support, and participation in structured activities were associated with better outcomes in supported living. Conclusions: Supported living holds potential for group home residents, but greater support is required in domains such as health and interpersonal relationships.