Feasibility and Satisfaction of an Apartment Living Program for Homeless Adults With Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorder

Abstract

Objective: We assessed the feasibility and satisfaction of an apartment living program for formerly homeless adults with mental health and substance use disorders. Method: A one-group pretest-posttest design was used with 22 participants who attended a six-week apartment living program. Results: Sixteen participants completed the study and demonstrated improvement in the performance of and satisfaction with needed daily life skills (performance: Z = −3.56, p ≤ 0.000, d = −1.86; satisfaction: Z = −2.84, p ≤ 0.004, d = −1.85), interpersonal skills (Z = −3.52, p ≤ 0.000, d = −2.98) and quality-of-life scores (Z = −3.52, p ≤ 0.000, d = −1.34). Participants reported high levels of satisfaction with the program. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the feasibility and satisfaction of an apartment living program and warrants further research.

Acknowledgments

We thank Kimberlee Baltich and Madelin Weiss for their assistance in this work.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sharon A. Gutman

Sharon A. Gutman, PhD, OTR, FAOTA, is a professor of rehabilitation and regenerative medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY.

Emily I. Raphael-Greenfield

Emily I. Raphael-Greenfield, EdD, OTR, FAOTA, is an associate professor of rehabilitation and regenerative medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY.

Jan Berg

Jan Berg, MS, OTR, Angela Agnese, MS, OTR, Stephanie Gross, MS, OTR, Sabah Ashmi, MS, OTR, Omolara Ogunye, MS, OTR, and Connie Shin, MS, OTR, are occupational therapists, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY.

Daniella Weiss

Daniella Weiss, MS, OTR, is a student in the University Medical Center Programs in Occupational Therapy, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY.