High hopes : deinstitutionalisation and social integration of individuals with mental health difficulties

Abstract

This study looks at the deinstitutionalization of individuals with mental health difficulties, the need for rehabilitation programs before these persons go to live independently in the community and the process of settling down in independent living. Thus this study aims at focusing on the process from discharge from Mount Carmel Hospital to independent living including the rehabilitation process in between. It aims to point out the necessary training, perspectives, concerns and coping of these individuals to adapt and cope to live in the community. Participants were all chosen from Richmond Foundation since it is the only NGO working specifically in this sector. To allow the triangulation of the study, interviews with staff working at Villa Chelsea rehabilitation facility and Home Support Workers were carried out to increment professional background. This study shows that at all points of this process individual attention needs to be given to individuals with mental health difficulties and there is a need of follow-up when living in the community, according to client's capabilities and coping abilities.