Contact between elderly people with mental retardation living in institutions and their families

Demographic changes leading to an increase in the 40–80 plus bands, along with changed family structures and differences in service systems, will all modify patterns of family contact. Contact — defined as occasions when residents (n = 474) in long term, live-in, care facilities met other members of their families, was recorded by staff. The data were analysed and social and personal variables were related to family contact. Anticipated changes in the coming decades are considered. A marked decrease in family contact for present residents as they age can be predicted, unless steps are taken to counteract this tendency. Strategies for ensuring contact are considered.