Effects of formal and familial residential plans for adults with mental retardation on their aging mothers.

Data regarding future residential plans were collected from 141 mothers of adult children with mental retardation. Results demonstrate that greater caregiving burden was associated with more extensive planning for residence within the formal service system and less planning for residence with a family member. More frequent service use also predicted greater planning for future residence within the formal system. Planning for residence with a family member and higher functional ability on the part of the child significantly decreased the sense of worry mothers had about the child's future whereas plans for the child to reside within the formal system had no association with worry about the future.