Assessment of needs of adults with developmental disabilities in skilled nursing and intermediate care facilities in Illinois.

Findings are reported from a statewide assessment of the habilitation, medical, and behavioral training needs of adults with developmental disabilities in Illinois general nursing homes. Only 10% were determined to be appropriately placed in medical settings, and only 27% were enrolled in developmental training programs. A large proportion of those recommended for alternative residential settings had significantly more intense medical, adaptive behavior, self-care, and self-preservation needs than did residents who typically reside in residential facilities for persons with developmental disabilities. Historical barriers to addressing the residential and active treatment needs of the assessed residents were discussed as were recent program developments in Illinois and implications of this study for other states.