From long-stay patient to Sloane Ranger: Outcome of resettlement of 15 old-long-stay psychiatric patients in ‘warden supervised’ accommodation for the elderly

Abstract

The resettlement of 15 old-long-stay patients in ‘warden-supervised’ accommodation was evaluated at intervals over a 1 year follow-up period. Subjects were selected for resettlement on criteria that did not include the attainment of specific functioning goals. Apart from one death, all patients were still living successfully in their new accommodation at the end of 1 year. No major changes in mental state or overall functioning occurred, but there was clear evidence of a ‘honeymoon effect’ beginning shortly after resettlement and lasting for around 2 months. By 4 months, functioning had returned to pre-discharge levels, where it remained. Some differences were found in utilisation of time but people's social networks became markedly more ‘normal’. All residents expressed satisfaction with their new accommodation. The implications of the findings for service planning and staffing decisions are considered.