Small Group Homes for the Long-Term Mentally Ill: Clinical and Social Characteristics of the Residents

Abstract

In a prospective study of 25 long-term mentally ill residents of small group homes in Copenhagen, interviews were carried out by the time the patients moved into the group homes and at follow-up 2-3 years later. The cohort was examined by means of the Schedule for the Assessment of Positive and Negative Symptoms, the Global Assessment Scale, Social Integration score, and a structured quality of life interview, to determine outcome and predictors for continuous stay in the group homes. The residents who remained in the group homes during the follow-up period showed a significantly higher quality of life score and less affective blunting already at base line than the residents who later moved out. At follow-up the residents who had remained in the group homes showed a significantly higher Social Integration score and perceived sense of mastery. Aspects of quality of life were also superior in the continuous-stay residents. The findings are discussed in terms of the implications for assignment to residential care facilities.

Key Words:

• Community care
• Housing
• Integration
• Quality of life
• Schizophrenia