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MA/PhD Theses Abstracts of Current Students & Alumni |
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Rose, Donna M. March 1981 - DEINSTITUTIONALlZATION OF THE MENTALLY ILL IN HRS DISTRICT V, FLORIDA: PATIENT PROFILES
Abstract: Deinstitutionalization of the mentally ill is the most recent trend in American psychiatric care and a major goal of the Florida Legislature and the Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services. Moving mental health clients from state hospitals to community facilities requires planning and planning requires information. Thus the intent of this study was to develop information and recommendations for the implementation of a community residential treatment program in Pinellas County Florida, designed to maximize the diversion of clients from total institutional care. Due to similar behavioral characteristics and cultural patterns of the population to be affected by this program, recommendations developed using participant-observation methods provided insight into the specific needs of the target population. The methodology involved participant-observation at the state mental health institution, open-ended interviews with the clients of this facility, and the collection of demographic material on a sample of the severely emotionally disturbed population that could eventually be considered in need of residential treatment. In addition, utilization rates of mental health facilities by Pinellas and Pasco County residents of Florida were determined. Contrary to the decrease in resident populations across the state and nation, Pinellas residents at the state mental hospital increased 33% over the past six years. Indeed, continuing unparalled population growth in Pasco and Pinellas Counties may impact mental health programs there, including the residential program discussed here, in unpredictable ways. The interview and observation results indicate that the clients at the state institution lack vocational skills necessary to remain in the community; they also require alcohol and drug treatment in addition to mental health treatment. Furthermore they lack access to and skills for, adult recreational and social activities and; have poor nutritional and hygienic practices. In planning a residential treatment program for this population, special attention needs to be directed to the holistic requirements of an individual, with provisions being made for their educational, vocational recreational, and personal needs, in addition to the residential and psychiatric needs outlined in a community residential treatment program. The successful implementation of such projects will only occur after detailed planning which is geared to meet the needs of the population to be served.
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