title: Creating a supportive environment using staff psychoeducation in a supervised residence.
abstract: The prevailing approach to rehabilitation in residential care emphasizes goal attainment. This approach often produces considerable stress for residents, most of whom have schizophrenia. Based on the view that low-demand environments, incorporating graduated expectations, may be more appropriate for this patient population, a three-component model for creating and maintaining a calm, supportive environment in a supervised residence was developed. The model utilizes staff psychoeducation, which is based on the principles of family psychoeducation, a highly effective intervention for patients with schizophrenia. The three components of the model are training in supportive interaction, a medication-monitoring program, and a behavioral approach to problem solving. Resident groups promote each of these components. The groups' goals are encouragement of positive, low-key interactions, compliance with medications, and slow, steady rehabilitation.
authors.affiliation: New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York 10032.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Ranz
authors.forename: B T
authors.initials: BT
authors.lastname: Horen
authors.forename: W R
authors.initials: WR
authors.lastname: McFarlane
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Zito
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006040:Goals; D006208:Halfway Houses / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards*; D006272:Health Facility Environment / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009518:New York; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011566:Psychiatric Aides / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012944:Social Support; D013808:Therapeutic Community; D000078329:Workforce