Building a network of aftercare services

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Mental Health Services Research
• Community Psychiatry

Background:

• Deinstitutionalization of long-term psychiatric patients from state hospitals to community settings presents significant challenges.
• Effective aftercare services are crucial for successful community integration and patient well-being.
• The transition of patients to a private proprietary home for adults in Westchester County necessitated coordinated support systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development and function of an integrated aftercare service system for deinstitutionalized psychiatric patients.
• To identify and address challenges related to patient selection, community housing, and resident support.
• To evaluate the role of a local mental health council in coordinating diverse providers and consumers.

Main Methods:

• Formation of a local mental health council to oversee aftercare services.
• Establishment of an aftercare committee to investigate specific issues.
• Qualitative assessment of patient care, facility operations, and resident financial concerns.

Main Results:

• The mental health council successfully coordinated various providers and consumers.
• The aftercare committee identified and resolved several issues concerning patient care and facility management.
• Financial difficulties faced by residents in the proprietary home were documented.

Conclusions:

• A collaborative council structure is vital for establishing a coordinated network of aftercare services.
• Addressing patient selection, housing programs, and resident finances are key to successful deinstitutionalization.
• Despite remaining challenges, the integrated approach demonstrated the effectiveness of community-based coordination.