Community inDetail, Part 3 Myths and Realities Myth 1:
Institutions are the best setting for some individuals with
severe intellectual and developmental disabilities. Four groups
of people are often cited as the most difficult to serve in the
community. - Medically Fragile: Some institution residents have
complex medical conditions such as seizure disorder, aspiration
risk, and dysphagia, requiring intensive medical support. If
skilled nursing and medical planning are provided, successful
community placement of people with complex medical issues can be
ensured (Kozma et al., 2003). - Dual Diagnoses: Half of
institution residents have a condition requiring psychiatric
attention (Lakin et al., 2009). Often people with dual diagnoses
need high levels of services and supports that require
integrated interventions from both ID/DD and mental health
providers. Often ID/DD providers do not have the capacity to
provide treatment for mental health issues, and mental health
providers do not have the capacity to provide