Should the Mentally Retarded Adult Live Alone?

With advancing medical technology, many adults who suffer from mental retardation are enjoying longer life expectancies. For many, living in small group homes, or even independently, has become increasingly more common.

Caring for an adult who suffers from a complication of mental retardation poses some degree of challenge. In many cases, as the individual with mental retardation grows and matures, there is a desire to gain more independence. Unfortunately, with complications such as destructive behaviors, many of the mentally retarded are unable to live a fully independent lifestyle.

Even the most simple of daily living activities can be challenging for the adult who suffers from mental retardation. If you are considering the living arrangements of a loved one with mental retardation, and that person is insistent upon living independently, it is important to consider even these simple issues of concern.

Oral hygiene is often an aspect of daily hygiene that is forgotten by the adult with mental retardation. Living independently, there is often a degree of risk associated with the development of periodontal disease, which may require extensive dental treatment later. Even a simple tooth complication, with associated infection, fever and discomfort, may be misdiagnosed for several days as the expression of pain is often impaired for an adult who is mentally retarded.

In addition to oral hygiene, complications associated with diet and skin care are often of concern. Again, because the mentally retarded adult often forgets to follow through on simple routines and instructions, missing meals is quite common and often leads to significant weight loss. Failing to shower can result in infection and even skin breakdown.

Women with mental retardation are at a special risk for complications if they attempt to live alone. With risks from complications associated with menstrual cycles, gynecological complication to even those associated with safety, women with mental retardation rarely live alone even when they insist they can do so.