OBJECTIVE: This study sought to evaluate the effects of a residential
rehabilitation program for homeless mentally ill veterans on several
measures of subjects' community adjustment. METHODS: Subjects' housing
status, financial and vocational status, psychological stability,
utilization of coping resources, and extent of social contacts were
measured at entry into the program and at follow-up six months after
discharge. Data were available for 58 subjects at follow-up. Outcomes for
subjects who successfully completed the program were compared with outcomes
for those who did not. RESULTS: As a group, subjects assessed at follow-up
showed significant improvement in housing, financial, and vocational
status, in severity of several symptoms of psychological and emotional
distress, in utilization of some types of coping resources, and in measures
of social contacts and satisfaction. However, subjects who completed the
program were more likely to have improved their housing, financial, and
vocational situations. CONCLUSIONS: Comprehensive residential
rehabilitation programs can help homeless veterans improve several aspects
of their lives and maintain stability in those areas after discharge.
Abstract Teaser