Continuing accommodation and support needs of long-term patients with severe mental illness in the era of community care

Abstract

Background: The accommodation and support needs of former long-stay and "new" long-stay patients with severe mental illness are complex. These two groups with different histories but similar needs are referred to in this paper as long-term patients. The science of psychiatric rehabilitation has advanced, but residential instability, homelessness, forensic involvement and substance abuse contribute to the rehabilitation challenges for long-term patients. Methods: This paper reviews recent evidence concerning outcomes of community mental health care for long-term patients. It reviews models of residential rehabilitation and residential care and the application of recovery principles to them. R..