Chronic mental patients: the quality of life issue

TLDR

Quality of life must be more vigorously addressed in the care of chronic mental patients. A survey of 278 residents in 30 Los Angeles board‑and‑care homes assessed satisfaction across eight life domains. Residents reported lower satisfaction than the general population in most domains—especially finances, unemployment, safety, and family/social relations—with 34% recent crime victims, underscoring the need for improved social programs.

Abstract

Quality of life issues must be addressed more vigorously in the care of chronic mental patients. In a survey of 30 large board-and-care homes in Los Angeles, 278 mentally disabled residents described their life conditions and satisfaction in eight areas: living situation, family relations, social relations, leisure activities, work, finances, safety, and health. Residents were less satisfied than the general population in most life areas, especially finances, unemployment, safety, and family and social relations (p less than .001). Of particular concern was the finding that 34% had been recent victims of crime. The results underscore the need for better social programs for these patients.