title: The homeless mentally ill and the need for a total care environment.
abstract: The dual conditions of homelessness and Serious mental illness are examined in a group of 132 former patients of a state hospital. A naturalistic approach was used in a six-month longitudinal Study that focused on the uniqueness and distinctiveness of a homeless existence. A more total care environment that recognizes a continuous service approach is necessary to meet the challenges presented by this population.
authors.affiliation: University of Maryland, School of Social Work and Community Planning, Baltimore.
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Belcher
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003134:Commitment of Persons with Psychiatric Disorders / Q000639:trends; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000639:trends*; D003688:Deinstitutionalization / Q000639:trends*; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand / Q000639:trends; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons / Q000523:psychology*; D006783:Hospitals, State / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D009820:Ohio; D012931:Social Environment; D012934:Social Isolation