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May 17, 2010, 02:12 PM
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Member Since: Feb 2007
Location: The place where X marks the spot.
Posts: 1,848
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The following is an excerpt only. For the full article, click on the source link at the bottom of the article.
When you click on the link a recorded interview will automatically start. I found it distracting so I simply turned the volume down while I read.
Quote:
... The idea for an effective treatment alternative to hospitalization goes back to the early 1970s. Loren Mosher, a psychiatrist in Northern California, decided to test his theory that a therapeutic milieu could be just as effective as the standard of care in reducing the symptoms of schizophrenia. His research led to a program called Soteria, and its offspring, Crossing Place, came about a few years later in 1977.
Several research studies validated his claim, demonstrating that alternatives to hospitalization, when implemented correctly, can be more cost-effective and have equal symptom-reduction and recidivism rates compared to a hospital stay.1, 2 Such "crisis bed" facilities also allow clients more integration with the community during their stay and can offer more freedom and autonomy than a hospital allows.
Jordan House's staff has attempted to closely follow the original Crossing Place model. The following are some components that have been suggested as essential to the accomplishments of similar programs:
- maintaining a small and homelike family environment with two staff members, a man and a woman, on duty for 24-hour shifts;
- providing intensive one-on-one support by "being with" and "doing with" residents without being intrusive;
- having a minimal hierarchy so residents are encouraged to maintain their autonomy;
- offering supportive counseling and therapeutic activities such as art, outings, gardening, shopping, and cooking, but no formal therapy; and
- encouraging residents to maintain relationships with the staff, program, and other alumni following discharge.
These essential ingredients helped guide the formation of Jordan House's program.
Although psychotropic medications were not used in the original Soteria model, they were routinely used in its offspring, Crossing Place, and are an important part of the Jordan House program, as well. Jordan House staff and psychiatrists emphasize the importance of receiving accurate information about each medication prescribed so that residents can make an informed choice to continue the right medications without coercion after discharge.
In its first two years, Jordan House's staff excelled in quickly stabilizing residents' psychiatric symptoms. They accomplished this by creating an environment that enabled residents to:
- form positive relationships that continue after their stay is complete;
- develop coping methods to prevent another crisis;
- connect with desired resources in the community; and
- build independent living skills.
Outcomes
The therapeutic ingredients outlined above have resulted in positive outcomes for our residents. Of 147 residents served in the first year, only 5 required a transfer to hospitalization during their Jordan House stay. Jordan House's level of care, although much less restrictive than a hospital, was capable of successfully stabilizing psychiatric symptoms for 85% of our residents with severe and acute mental health symptoms. For its efforts, Jordan House was recognized with a 2006 Lilly Reintegration Award.
Source: Jordan House: A Community Alternative to Hospitalization
See also: Loren Mosher & Soteria House
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