title: The relationship between characteristics of supported housing and the quality of life of older adults with severe mental illness.
abstract: This study examined whether group living (as opposed to single living), staff availability and degree of personal freedom are associated with the quality of life of older adults with severe mental illness. A cross-sectional study was carried out in 18 supported living programmes in residential homes for the elderly that differed in terms of these three characteristics. The study included 35 patients with a psychotic disorder and 38 with an anxiety or mood disorder. Quality of life was assessed with the Philadelphia Geriatric Centre Morale Scale (PGCMS) and the Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of Life (MANSA). No association was found between group living and quality of life. Availability of psychiatrically trained staff was associated with life quality only for patients with a psychotic disorder, and perceived amount of personal freedom was associated with life quality only for patients with a non-psychotic disorder. Both differences were seen only on the PGCMS Agitation subscale. Older people with psychotic disorders appear to have relatively high needs for professional psychiatric support, and those with non-psychotic disorders for control over their daily lives. Further research is needed in other settings for older people with severe mental illness, preferably using longitudinal designs.
authors.affiliation: Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction Trimbos-instituut, Utrecht, The Netherlands. mdepla@trimbos.nl
authors.forename: M F I A
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Depla
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: De Graaf
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Heeren
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D016352:Group Homes / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006707:Homes for the Aged / Q000592:standards* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D009426:Netherlands; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D010561:Personnel Staffing and Scheduling; D018907:Privacy; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012648:Self Care; D000078329:Workforce