Mental Health Residential Services
Housing and support for people with mental illness
For residents of Suffolk County diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness, Options provides a range of homelike residential situations matched to individual capabilities. In each case, goals are jointly set and regularly reviewed, so participants learn to live with increasing independence.
For many residents of Options' homes, the alternatives are
limited. Bleak futures in unsafe housing, single rooms or boarding
houses often confront people with mental illness, along with
the shadow of frequent hospitalization. Many can no longer
depend on relatives for help.
Today's improved medications and treatments enable many people with mental illness to live in the community and to lead productive, independent lives. To facilitate independence, Options provides housing with support. Residents are adults from all walks of life, male and female, with ages ranging from 18 into the 70s.
Every person referred is evaluated. Based on ability and need for services, placement may be made in a group residence or a shared house. When individuals make significant progress, opportunities for living with greater independence are explored.
With supervision, as appropriate to each level and individual, residents learn to care for themselves; handle household chores and cooking; and connect with community resources. Those who want to work are linked with training programs and employment opportunities. Options offers pre-vocational training in greenhouse work, crafts and retail selling through its own thrift shop.
Transitional Community Residences: Group Homes
Options operates six group homes, each accommodating 10 to 12 people who need a high degree of supervision. On-site support is available 24 hours per day. Participants live as a family group, sharing meal planning and preparation, and planning activities and social opportunities. A number of residents move on to the next level to live more independently after varying periods of time.
Supervision and training includes:
- Close monitoring of medication
- Coordination of mental and physical health needs
- Training in cooking, cleaning, and self-care
- Learning how to manage benefits and entitlements
- Training in budgeting, shopping and use of public transportation
- Connection with day programs and job training
- Practice in living as part of a community and using community resources
Transitional Community Residences: Treatment Apartments
For those prepared to live more independently, Options operates
20 houses, each serving three residents of the same gender.
According to need, each individual is visited from one to
seven times weekly. Options' staff assumes case management
responsibilities and encourages residents to explore and
plan for more independent living.
Services include:
- Training in daily living skills, assertiveness and self-advocacy
- Community integration services and resource development
- Health services
- Medication Management and training
- Symptom Management
- Rehabilitation counseling
- Substance abuse services
- Socialization
- Skill development
Permanent Supported Housing: Shared Homes |
