Care That Makes Sense

Institutional care for people with intellectual disabilities is beset by high pressure of work, waiting lists and financial problems. The central question addressed in this study is whether government and institutions can alleviate these problems through increased efficiency. The scope for doing so is currently limited, given the steady improvements in efficiency that have already taken place in recent years. In order to alleviate the financial problems of some institutions, the study calls for a thorough overhaul of the funding system. The present system lacks transparency and the principle of 'the more severe the disability, the higher the payment' is clearly due for replacement. The study also shows that the costs increased between 1984 and 1998 due to the raising of quality standards. There is no evidence of the frequently presumed increase in the intensity of care. This report is part of a series focusing on research on the efficiency in public provisions carried out by SCP over the last 15 years. It is aimed at first and foremost at policymakers, umbrella organisations and institution managements. In addition to the policy recommendations mentioned above, the report provides a good insight into trends in this sector over the last 20 years and in the prevailing legislation. The accessibility of the book is enhanced by the fact that all technical details have been included in the separate background study Efficiency of Homes for the Mentally Disabled in the Netherlands (SCP Research Report 16).