Natural supports: the impact on people with intellectual and developmental disabilities’ quality of life and service expenditures

Abstract

Natural supports are informal (unpaid) relationships that support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in their natural environments and communities. A wide range of people can serve as natural supports for people with IDD, such as family (both biological and chosen), friends, neighbors, community members, etc. Natural supports can positively impact people’s relationships, and community integration. The aim of this study was to examine the connection between natural supports for people with IDD, quality of life, and service expenditures. To do so, we analyzed secondary Personal Outcome Measures® quality of life data and service expenditure data (n = 251) using linear regression models. Our findings suggest people with IDD with natural supports have a better quality of life than people without natural supports. In addition, LTSS service expenditures were $20,000 lower on average for people with IDD with natural supports compared to people without natural supports, regardless of their demographics. As such, we believe natural supports have the potential to improve people with IDD’s lives, build their relationships, and help them integrate into their communities. However, there is danger in utilizing natural supports in lieu of formal services solely for cost-cutting, particularly in a service system that is already underfunded.