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An assessment of a continuing care program
Hospital & Community Psychiatry
|June 1, 1979
Summary
A 1977 survey of Kern County mental health residents in care homes found most patients capable of self-care and satisfied with services. Key issues identified were finances and limited outside activities, highlighting the need for consumer feedback in mental health planning.
Area of Science:
- Mental Health Services
- Healthcare Management
- Community Psychiatry
Background:
- Group and family care homes are crucial for community mental health support.
- Assessing patient skills and satisfaction is vital for service improvement.
- Kern County Mental Health Services initiated a study in 1977 to evaluate these aspects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To gather insights from residents and operators on improving care home services.
- To evaluate the self-care capabilities and skill levels of patients in these homes.
- To understand patient and operator perspectives on the quality of care.
Main Methods:
- A survey was conducted in mid-1977 involving residents and operators of group and family care homes.
- Interviews were conducted with 139 former patients and 26 care home operators.
- Data collected focused on patient skills, self-care abilities, and overall satisfaction.
Main Results:
- The majority of surveyed patients demonstrated capability for self-care and exhibited few overt behavioral issues.
- Most patients reported satisfaction with their care home environment.
- Both patients and operators identified financial concerns and a lack of organized outside activities as areas for improvement.
Conclusions:
- Patient satisfaction assessments are essential components of effective mental health service planning.
- Addressing financial and recreational needs can enhance the quality of life for residents in care homes.
- The study underscores the importance of incorporating consumer perspectives into the development of community-based mental health services.