A recent study from Switzerland compared the effectiveness of independent supported housing (ISH) with traditional residential rehabilitation. The results show that ISH offers residents a higher quality of life, fewer mental health symptoms, and more independence. Find out why ISH is not only more cost-effective but also more beneficial for individuals’ lifestyles.
The traditional placement of people with severe mental illnesses in institutional facilities is increasingly being questioned. A new approach is independent supported housing (ISH), in which people with mental illnesses live with support in their own apartments. A recent Swiss study has now examined the effectiveness of this model compared to traditional residential rehabilitation (housing rehabilitation as usual, HAU).
Study design and results
The researchers compared two groups of participants over a two-year period: one group living in a traditional residential facility (HAU) and one group living in their own apartment with individual support (ISH).
The results were clear
- ISH participants showed a significantly higher quality of life: they felt more comfortable and satisfied with their lives.
- Fewer mental health symptoms: The ISH group had fewer severe mental health symptoms after two years.
- More independence: The ISH participants’ abilities to manage their daily lives independently improved significantly.
- Lower costs: The ISH model proved to be significantly more cost-effective than traditional residential rehabilitation.
Advantages of independent assisted living
- More autonomy: The ability to make one’s own decisions and organize one’s daily life independently promotes self-efficacy and self-esteem.
- Normalization: Living in one’s own apartment enables greater integration into society and reduces the stigma associated with mental illness.
- Flexibility: Individual care plans can be flexibly adapted to the needs of each patient.
Why is ISH more successful?
- Individualized care: Working closely with a consistent support person provides security and support for those affected.
- Normalization of everyday life: Living in your own apartment makes it possible to develop daily routines and establish social contacts.
- Motivation: The opportunity to make your own decisions can increase your motivation to work on your own recovery.
Outlook and open questions
The results of this study underscore the importance of individual living solutions for people with severe mental illnesses. However, further research is needed to examine the long-term effects of the ISH model and to find out which patient group this model is particularly suitable for.
Open questions
- What role does the social environment play? How important is the social network for the success of individual living?
- Which factors influence the selection of suitable caregivers?
- How can we ensure that the quality of care is equally high in all regions?
Conclusion
Independent supported living is a promising alternative to traditional residential care. It enables people with severe mental illnesses to lead self-determined and fulfilling lives. The results of this study should help to ensure that this model is better promoted and expanded.
You can find the study here: https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-024-05995-7
