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Where do People with Long-Term Mental Health Problems Live?

A Comparison of the Sexes

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 August 2018

Alison M. Conning*
Affiliation:
Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AF
Len A. Rowland
Affiliation:
Institute of Psychiatry and District Services Section, Maudsley Hospital, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AZ
*
Correspondence

Abstract

The closure of large psychiatric institutions has led to alternative accommodation being developed for people with long-term psychiatric disabilities, with an emphasis on group living. Despite this, very little is known about where these people live, about the accommodation needs of this group, or whether men and women have differing needs. This paper examines the accommodation of all people with long-term and severe psychiatric disabilities in one South London borough who were in contact with a specialist service. It was found that the majority of people either live with their families – although the family member differed for men and women – or live alone. Men were more likely than women to live in hostels or alone, while women were more likely than men to live with their families.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1991 

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