Research output: Contribution to Journal/Magazine › Journal article › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to Journal/Magazine › Journal article › peer-review
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - How much does intellectual disability really cost? First estimates for Australia
AU - Doran, Christopher M.
AU - Einfeld, Stewart L.
AU - Madden, Rosamond
AU - Otim, Michael
AU - Horstead, Sian K.
AU - Ellis, Louise A.
AU - Emerson, Eric
PY - 2012/3
Y1 - 2012/3
N2 - Background Given the paucity of relevant data, this study estimates the cost of intellectual disability (ID) to families and the government in Australia.Method Family costs were collected via the Client Service Receipt Inventory, recording information relating to service use and personal expense as a consequence of ID. Government expenditure on the provision of support and services was estimated using top-down costing.Results A total of 109 parents participated. The cost of ID in Australia is high, especially for families. Total economic costs of ID are close to $14,720 billion annually. Opportunity cost of lost time provided 85% of family expense. A comparison of family expense and social welfare benefits received suggests that families suffer considerable loss. This may impact on families’ physical and emotional wellbeing.Conclusions Monitoring of changes in expenditure is required. Policies should ensure that money devoted to ID is allocated in a rational, equitable, and cost-effective manner.
AB - Background Given the paucity of relevant data, this study estimates the cost of intellectual disability (ID) to families and the government in Australia.Method Family costs were collected via the Client Service Receipt Inventory, recording information relating to service use and personal expense as a consequence of ID. Government expenditure on the provision of support and services was estimated using top-down costing.Results A total of 109 parents participated. The cost of ID in Australia is high, especially for families. Total economic costs of ID are close to $14,720 billion annually. Opportunity cost of lost time provided 85% of family expense. A comparison of family expense and social welfare benefits received suggests that families suffer considerable loss. This may impact on families’ physical and emotional wellbeing.Conclusions Monitoring of changes in expenditure is required. Policies should ensure that money devoted to ID is allocated in a rational, equitable, and cost-effective manner.
KW - cost
KW - intellectual disability
KW - families
M3 - Journal article
VL - 37
SP - 42
EP - 49
JO - Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability
JF - Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability
SN - 1366-8250
IS - 1
ER -