Predictors of self-sufficiency for the mentally ill in long-term care

A growing interest of mental health professionals is the community adjustment of former mental hospital patients. Recognition of the influence of environmental factors on adjustment has led to attempts to determine the specific environmental factors that are influential. The present study of 87 former mental hospital patients in long-term care indicates that the type of management practices used, together with the facility director's attitudes toward social services are major predictors of clients self-sufficiency. Implications for administrators, staff and consultants to long-term care facilities are noted.