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ABOUT THIS SERIESWhen it comes to medical care, some of the state’s most vulnerable residents, the 8,700 adults who live in group homes for the retarded, are treated as second-class citizens. Since 2002, three group home residents have died because of medical neglect and nine other deaths are under investigation. Since 1999, more than 260 cases of physical abuse and medical error involving the disabled have been substantiated each year. And often when something goes wrong, no one is held accountable. ABOUT THE TERMINOLOGYIn this series we use the term "retarded" to describe people with mental handicaps because it is direct and commonly understood. We do so with respect and an understanding that some prefer such alternatives as mentally challenged or intellectually disabled on the grounds that retarded carries a stigma. Arguments on both sides of the debate are posted here on the web.
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Series summaryUPDATES
Day 1 - March 20, 2004
Day 2 - March 22, 2004
Day 3 - March 23, 2004
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REPORTERS
This series was written by Sue Reinert, who covers health care and other issues for The Patriot Ledger, and Casey Ross, a general assignment reporter. Reinert has been on the staff for 14 years. Before that she worked for 18 years at newspapers in Boston, the North Shore, New York City and upstate New York. Click to Reinert.
Casey Ross previously worked for newspapers in Vermont while studying journalism at St. Michael’s College.
YOUR VIEWS We want to know what you think about this series and the issue of health care for the retarded. Here’s how to tell us. Fax: 617-786-7393
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The death of a 39-year-old Weymouth man last year called attention to serious problems with medical care for the 8,700 retarded adults living in group homes. The people caring for them are poorly trained and ill-paid for the challenge of meeting their complex health needs. 
