title: Evaluating life in foster homes for persons with serious mental illness: Resident and caregiver perspectives.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In Montreal Canada, the majority of persons with serious mental illness discharged from psychiatric hospitals were placed into foster homes. Very little updated information exists on life in foster homes, and the level of autonomy allowed in this residential setting.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of the study was to elicit the foster home residents' opinions about their lives in this setting and their caregiver's perception of the level of autonomy allowed.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two questionnaires were administered to 102 foster home residents and their caregivers: (1)Patient Attitude Questionnaireand (2)Hospital and Hostel Practices Profile Survey.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Consumers are satisfied living in this type of milieu and do not desire to change their housing. The foster home provides residents with a sense of security and well being. Foster homes rank second in terms of autonomy when compared to hospitals and hostels. Only supported apartments rank higher.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings shed a new light on this type of residential milieu. Over time the structure of foster homes has evolved. This study points to the need to value the opinions of consumers and not force people to move onto other types of housing.
authors.affiliation: Douglas Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, and McGill University, Montreal.
authors.forename: Myra
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Piat
authors.affiliation: Fernand Seguin Research Centre, Louis H Lafontaine Hospital, Montreal, and University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
authors.forename: Nicole
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ricard
authors.affiliation: Fernand Seguin Research Centre, Louis H Lafontaine Hospital, Montreal, and University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
authors.forename: Alain
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lesage
keywords: Mental health; caregivers; foster homes; housing; persons with serious mental illness