Resources for Case Managers
Needs for Service Assessment and Review: A Collaborative Approach 2nd
Edition (July 1996)
This publication is available as a downloadable
PDF document (308k)
Stable and appropriate accommodation is vital in maximising a person's
mental health and level of independence in the community. For people with
serious mental illness the opportunity to find the right type of housing
is often affected by the nature of their disabilities and the availability
of flexible and accessible support.
The development of community-based mental health services, including
services provided on an outreach basis in the consumer's own living environment,
has permitted greater emphasis to be made on meeting the clinical needs
of people with serious mental illness living in the community. In addition,
the range of options has been extended to include stable, low-cost housing
with outreach disability support and community care units with on-site
clinical support.
The shift in focus of public mental health service delivery, in recent
years, from inpatient care to community care has increasingly drawn attention
to the role of stable, affordable housing of a reasonable standard in
contributing to improved mental health. If a person's home environment
is positive, it can provide a sense of security, safety, independence
and privacy. People with serious mental illness have the same rights and
responsibilities as the general population in regard to a reasonable living
environment. This may include short-term accommodation as well as long-term
housing.
These guidelines are intended to assist case managers in providing effective
and well-informed support to consumers of public mental health services
in accessing and maintaining appropriate accommodation.
In addition, information is provided about community resources which
may assist consumers and case managers in locating and maintaining accommodation
support and housing.
It is acknowledged that, for many community mental health workers, this
information will already be part of their practice experience. It is also
acknowledged that case managers cannot resolve the problems of limited
housing options. However, it is the responsibility of the area mental
health service, and hence of the case manager, to aim for an optimum matching
of accommodation with the consumer's needs wherever possible.
|
At a Glance
- People with serious mental illness have the right to receive
support in obtaining and maintaining accommodation of their choice,
and to have their rights upheld under the relevant tenancy legislation.
- Case managers will adopt a collaborative approach in assisting
consumers to meet their accommodation needs. Stable and affordable
housing contributes to improved outcomes for consumers by enhancing
their quality of life.
- Case managers should take into account a person's support needs
and the level of support provided by each form of accommodation.
- Case managers should not place people in accommodation unless
adequate arrangements have been made to ensure that their support
needs can be met.
|
|
