|
THE WAY BACK: Swope Health offers residential support for people dealing with mental illness
Feb 14, 2012 (The Kansas City Star - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --
It can be tough for patients who've just been discharged from a psychiatric hospital to make it on their own. They may stop taking their medications, fail to check in with their social worker, end up living on the street.
But for Aaron, Brian and Crystal, life after hospitalization appears to be going well. They've all found a home.
The three are among about two dozen former psychiatric hospital patients who live in residential facilities operated by Swope Health Services.
Swope, a major safety-net health provider in the Kansas City area, runs three group homes -- and is about to open a fourth. The homes offer patients varying levels of supervision to match their ability to take on responsibilities.
"Generally, folks who are fragile psychiatrically need some support to get through the day," said Dick Gregory, Swope vice president for behavioral health. "Here, they can transition from being inpatients all the way up to being independent."
While there are many other residential programs providing support, Swope's program also connects patients with all the organization's health care resources, Gregory said.
Mental health patients often have physical health problems as well, such as chronic lung diseases and diabetes.
"Now they can possibly get all their care in one stop," Gregory said.
Curtis Franklin Lodge is where Aaron and Brian live. Built in 1990 to blend in with the modest single-family homes along East 60th Street, the Lodge has accommodations similar to those of a college dorm: eight single rooms sharing two bathrooms, a communal kitchen, dining room and living room. Sharing a backyard with the Lodge is its twin, the Kanzetta Harris House, which has seven bedrooms.
Staffed around the clock, the Lodge and Harris House provide a high level of supervision. Residents receive assistance taking medications, transportation to medical and psychiatric care and regular attention from a case worker. And they're taught basic life skills, such as housekeeping and cooking, that they may have lost or never acquired while they were in psychiatric hospitals. They also have chores to do, cleaning common areas and helping make breakfast and lunch.
Aaron, 37, came to the Lodge about a year ago after spending the previous two years at the Center for Behavioral Medicine, commonly known by its previous name, Western Missouri Mental Health Center.
"I get a little more freedom here. I get to see friends, order fast food now and then," he said. "I have my own room."
Aaron's main goal has been to get a job, his community support worker Kim Murphy said. Recently, he landed a position with a janitorial service.
"I'm so proud of Aaron. This has been a long road for him," Murphy said.
Brian's stacks of CDs and the posters over his bed speak to his interest in goth metal music. Diagnosed with schizophrenia about 10 years ago, Brian, now 30, has been in and out of hospitals, lived independently for a while and at other times with his parents. He arrived at the Lodge a few weeks ago.
"I needed to do something to get back on my feet, to get out of my parents' basement," he said. He too, wants to get a job, and more.
"It's time to get going and to find a girlfriend before civilization is over."
A short walk from the Lodge is Swope Gardens, a 14-unit apartment building that opened last year. This is where Crystal lives.
Swope Gardens is staffed 16 hours per day. Its residents have more freedom, but also have the responsibility to manage their own households. They pay rent on their furnished one-bedroom apartments based on income.
"I keep my budget at a minimum and pay my rent on time," said Crystal, who receives Social Security disability payments. "Having staff here is pretty cool. I can go to them when I have problems."
Crystal, 43, was abused as a child and suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder. "Living here gives me a sense of security. I can lock my door."
Crystal spends much of her time on her computer, communicating with family, engaging in role-playing games, researching her lineage and developing websites for friends. She also speaks to community groups as an advocate for people with mental illnesses.
"I'm rebuilding my life," she said. "I'm doing pretty good."
In the heart of midtown Kansas City, on Pennsylvania Avenue at 39th Street, Swope has just finished refurbishing a residence that used to serve clients of United Cerebral Palsy of Greater Kansas City.
Its new Penn Place, which Swope plans to open in March, will have a level of supervision between that of the Lodge and Swope Gardens. It will be staffed 24/7, but residents will be responsible for preparing their own breakfasts and lunches. The nine one-room apartments are similar to motel rooms, equipped with mini-fridges and microwave ovens rather than full kitchens.
Penn Place's location, right by the shops and restaurants of bustling 39th Street and Broadway, will give residents experience dealing with social situations, said Ron Redd, manager of the four Swope homes.
"They have to make a full adjustment to independence," Redd said. "This gives them practice in adjusting."
When Penn Place opens, Redd expects all its apartments to be filled quickly.
"We have more applicants then we have space," he said. "The need always exceeds the capacity."
To reach Alan Bavley, call 816-234-4858 or send email to abavley@kcstar.com.
___ (c)2012 The Kansas City Star (Kansas City, Mo.) Visit The Kansas City Star
(Kansas City, Mo.) at www.kansascity.com Distributed by MCT Information Services
[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
|
TMCnet LOGIN
Webinars
