A comparison of living conditions for intellectually disabled people in Norway and Sweden: Present situation and changes following the national reforms in the 1990’s

In the 1990’s, the service system for intellectually disabled people underwent national reforms in both Norway and Sweden. Responsibility was transferred from county to local authorities and institutions were replaced by community services. This paper presents a study comparing living conditions of intellectually disabled people in the two countries. Both living conditions immediately after the reforms and also the changes taking place during the reform years are compared. The paper is based on data from 987 (pre‐reform) and 1183 (post‐reform) subjects (born 1922–1970, 47% females). Results suggest fairly similar developments in living conditions, but there are a number of differences as well. In both countries changes in housing conditions are substantial. Changes for people affected by deinstitutionalisation were greater, compared to changes for people affected only by the transfer of responsibility. Results are discussed in relation to similarities and dissimilarities in the history of deinstitutionalisation, reform strategies and legislative foundation of services.