Promoting readiness for discharge for long-term state hospital residents.
OBJECTIVE
This project was designed to increase readiness for change for long-stay state hospital residents who were unwilling to move to the community.


METHODS
Project staff designed customized strategies to build relationships, increase awareness of personal and environmental influences on deciding if, when, and where to relocate, and increase commitment to making a change.


RESULTS
Of 10 participants, eight successfully relocated to the community in less than two years.


CONCLUSIONS
Readiness development strategies designed specifically for individuals can be effective in facilitating change. Staff expertise in readiness assessment and creativity in designing interventions, as well as staff commitment to this program, were critical to success.
Alternatives, Whitinsville, MA 01588, USA. Kelley.Gamble@alternativesnet.org
Kelley
K
Gamble
Stephenie
S
Abate
Michael
M
Seibold
Kathleen
K
Wenzel
Jacqueline
J
Ducharme
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005260:Female; D006778:Hospitals, Psychiatric; D006783:Hospitals, State; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007902:Length of Stay; D008134:Long-Term Care / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010351:Patient Discharge / Q000592:standards*; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012932:Social Facilitation; D016896:Treatment Outcome