Mortality of persons with intellectual disability in residential care in Israel 1991-1997

Abstract

In Israel, the Division for Mental Retardation provides service to 6022 persons (all ages) in 53 residential centres, 1280 persons in community-related residential facilities, and about 13,000 persons who participate in day care facilities. This accounts for about 20,000 persons out of the Israeli population of approximately six million. Every case of death in a residential facility is reported immediately to the Office of the Medical Director, who reviews and decides upon any further investigation. In case of suspected malpractice, a review committee is appointed. Each case of death in an institution is also investigated immediately by the local police, who decide upon the need for an autopsy. The present study reports on the number of deaths for the period 1991-1997 in Israeli residential centres. Some 450 deaths were reported, corresponding to a mortality rate of 10.25 deaths per 1000 population per year. The number of deaths compared with those in the general population. Information on the age and sex distribution, level of intellectual disability, ethnic background and cause of death is presented.