This paper draws on the findings of a two‐part study of 55 people discharged from three mental handicap hospitals during the decade 1971–81 to live more independently in the community. Part one, a retrospective study of hospital records, provided data on their lives before they moved. Part two was a follow‐up study of the remaining 50 people living in community settingsaftertheir move. A detailed account of their current life styles was compiled from data from social services records, interviews with social workers, and interviews with the people themselves.Hospital records varied in their completeness but they did describe the people's personalities (personal qualities and motivation), close friendships, outside social contacts, and daytime activities. These four factors were looked at again in relation to their current life styles. The paper discusses the trends that em