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An agency-based representative payee program and improved community tenure of persons with mental illness
D J Luchins1, P Hanrahan, K J Conrad
1Department of Psychiatry at the University of Chicago, IL 60637, USA. danl@yoda.bsd.uchicago.edu
Psychiatric Services (Washington, D.C.)
|September 15, 1998
Summary
Representative payee programs assist individuals with severe mental illness in managing finances. Participation significantly reduced hospitalizations, indicating program effectiveness in improving stability and reducing healthcare utilization.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Health Services Research
- Social Work
Background:
- Representative payee programs are crucial for individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) to manage Social Security benefits.
- These programs aim to ensure funds cover necessities, prevent homelessness, and reduce rehospitalization.
- Effective financial management is vital for the stability and well-being of individuals with SMI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the referral criteria for a representative payee program at a community mental health center.
- To assess the association between participation in the representative payee program and reductions in hospitalization rates among individuals with SMI.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study design was employed.
- Included 56 individuals with SMI enrolled in the program for one year.
- Chart reviews identified referral criteria; hospitalization data pre- and post-enrollment were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Common referral criteria included comorbid substance abuse (49%), homelessness (33%), and frequent hospitalizations (32%).
- Mean state hospitalization days decreased from 68 to 7 days post-enrollment.
- Mean state and private hospitalization days reduced from 97 to 15 days.
Conclusions:
- The representative payee program demonstrated significant effectiveness in reducing hospital stays.
- Findings suggest the program positively impacts the stability of individuals with SMI.
- Further research with more rigorous designs is recommended to confirm these tentative findings.