[Group homes for the mentally ill II. Resident satisfaction and experience of support]

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate aspects of user satisfaction and subjective change in functional status of 71 long-term mentally ill group home residents in Copenhagen. Satisfaction rate varied between 52 and 89%, and though distress caused by fellow residents was seen in 76%, around 80% also experienced some degree of reciprocal supportive relationship with the others. More than half of the residents would prefer to live alone, with a partner or a friend. General life satisfaction was improved in 72%, and improved status within various life domains was reported in 32-78%. The group homes represent a large potential for improving functional status in the severely mentally ill.