Thirty Institutionalized elderly persons with mental retardation were compared with a like number of persons with mental retardation residing in group homes, who have never lived in institutions, and also with thirty persons without retardation, residing in a community retirement community. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was applied to the scores to determine whether they differed in all instances of comparison in this study. Significant differences were found to exist between the scores of the Institutionalized group and those of the other groups on all domains for Latitude of Choice. The differences appeared in an overall pattern. No intergroup differences were noted across domains, that could be attributed to the sex factor influence in the perception of choice and importance of that choice in the daily activities of the Institutionalized group. The amount of time spent in the institution did appear to affect the Latitude of Choice of the Institutionalized group while they were institutionalized. Lack of perceived choice did not affect the current Self Rating and Life Satisfaction of the Institutionalized group, as reflected in the lack of a positive correlation between these (SR and LS) means with the Latitude of Choice mean, due apparently to the positive rehabilitation this group has experienced since deinstitutionalization, resulting in what they term "the best time of their lives."
Conclusions. Deinstitution of institutionalized elderly clients with mental retardation, seems to be effective for those individuals enrolled in rehabilitative programming; a relationship was found between choice and quality of life; and continued programming to prevent a rapid major deterioration due to aging is recommended.