Evaluating life in foster homes for persons with serious mental illness: Resident and caregiver perspectives

Abstract

Background: In Montreal Canada, the majority of persons with serious mental illness discharged from psychiatric hospitals were placed into foster homes. Very little updated information exists on life in foster homes, and the level of autonomy allowed in this residential setting.

Aims: The purpose of the study was to elicit the foster home residents' opinions about their lives in this setting and their caregiver's perception of the level of autonomy allowed.

Method: Two questionnaires were administered to 102 foster home residents and their caregivers: (1) Patient Attitude Questionnaire and (2) Hospital and Hostel Practices Profile Survey.

Results: Consumers are satisfied living in this type of milieu and do not desire to change their housing. The foster home provides residents with a sense of security and well being. Foster homes rank second in terms of autonomy when compared to hospitals and hostels. Only supported apartments rank higher.

Conclusion: These findings shed a new light on this type of residential milieu. Over time the structure of foster homes has evolved. This study points to the need to value the opinions of consumers and not force people to move onto other types of housing.

Declaration of interest: This project was funded by Fonds de recherche en santé du Québec – Project #990679. The research was carried out at the Douglas Hospital, Montreal, Canada and Louis H Lafontaine Hospital, Montreal, Canada.

Keywords:

• Mental health
• persons with serious mental illness
• housing
• foster homes
• caregivers