Milieu factors influencing patients' integration into community residential facilities

Abstract

Although much has been written on the importance of the environment as a therapeutic modality, few studies have examined the specific characteristics of community residential environments that influence the adjustment of the mentally ill. This study, based on a sample of 87 patients in Washington State, assesses the influence of patient, facility, and community characteristics on residents' integration within residential care facilities. The findings indicate that the type of facility, the number of daily living skills programmed, the rigidity of facility routines, the social distance between staff and residents, and the number of residents are significant predictors of residents' integration into facility life.