This study investigated consumer satisfaction among 98 members of the
Thomas S. class action lawsuit in North Carolina, in which the court
ordered implementation of habilitative and residential service plans. Class
members have mental retardation, and most also have a mental illness.
Before the court order, 83 of the consumers were inappropriately placed in
state psychiatric hospitals; one year after, 82 were living in community
residences. A survey at baseline and one year later indicated that
consumers' satisfaction had increased significantly. They were more
satisfied with where they lived, the food, and the level of freedom. They
also felt that staff were more helpful, and that more staff were "nice"
rather than "mean."
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