Foundation care: a treatment model for nonambulatory profoundly mentally retarded persons.

Two treatment models, Intermediate Care Facilities for the Mentally Retarded (ICF/MR) and Foundation Care, were compared with respect to their use in the institutional treatment of nonambulatory profoundly mentally retarded persons. Foundation Care is focused on physical and social environmental components of caregiving through emphases on health, nourishment, nurturance, stimulation, and play, with the goal of habilitation. Subjects were randomly assigned to the treatment models. We hypothesized that when compared to ICF/MR, the Foundation Care unit would use more resident-oriented management practices, have different caregiver resident interaction, and have residents who would exhibit more behavioral complexity. Baseline, 6-month, and 1-year measurements were made. Results supported the first and third hypotheses. Caregiver resident interaction was similar for both groups; however, Foundation Care staff used more tactile modalities and contingent interaction. We conclude that Foundation Care may be an appropriate alternative level of care for the nonambulatory profoundly retarded person.