[Transitional homes as a special form of rehabilitation of psychiatric patients]

Transitional residences are of particular importance among the rehabilitative facilities for the mentally ill that had been called for by the Psychiatry Enquete. Their primary objective is to enable clients cope with (relatively) self-reliant living. Along with achievement, or restoration, of working capacity and its consolidation through (part-time) work, emotional growth, self-assertion, and social skills are to be developed. In view of practical implementation of the theoretical concept outlined in the Psychiatry Enquete, and based on their long years of experience in the field, the authors have drafted guidelines for meaningful professional work in a transitional setting, in view of overcoming recurrent initial difficulties and living up to the high goals envisaged. Client selection and careperson qualification are indispensable prerequisites in the sequenced provision of rehabilitative care, directed both at the vocational and leisure domain and the personal growth of the clients.