[Group living of psychically/mentally disabled in state-assisted housing (author's transl)]

Lasting rehabilitation success is proven to be achievable through appropriate follow-up care. A group living project for five rehabilitees had therefore been established in the state-assisted housing sector, after selection of a suitable group of inpatients for this model project. Among the criteria for selection were: rehabilitation success so far, i.e. vocational reintegration, and suitability for group living. The difficulties encountered in the search for an appartment are described. The concept of our group living project included joint living of attendent and rehabilitees for an unlimited period of time. The case histories of the residents are outlined to give an idea of duration and severity of illness, and thus to enable evaluation of the risk involved in discharge from inpatient care. All clients have dependence problems, and had for this reason alone already been refused by other follow-up facilities. Three of the group members had to be exchanged after twelve months, loss of employment occurred only once. The initial difficulties and tasks of the attendent are described.