SUPERVISED APARTMENT PROGRAM

The Supervised Apartment Program provides staff support and services 24 hours a day to individuals with psychiatric disabilities. The goal of the program is the development of skills needed for independent living and the promotion of mental health stability so residents can move on to fully independent community living.

Admission Criteria:

• 18 years or older
• DMHAS definition of severe and chronic mental illness
• Physically able to manage living environment
• Voluntary
• Resident of Catchment Area 11 or 12
• Requires 24-hour on-site support and services
• Requires maximum to moderate assistance with ADL functioning
• Has financial means to pay living expenses

A Story: Karen

Karen moved into the Supervised Apartment Program (SAP) after a 2-year stay in a state psychiatric hospital. Karen was excited to have the opportunity to live in a community residential program, appreciated the staff support, and was determined to do well. In a partnership between Karen and her case manager, Karen identified her goals, which included maintaining her mental health; improving her budgeting skills; seeking out socialization opportunities; and moving to her own apartment in the community. These goals were mutually agreed upon in her Individualized Recovery Plan. Karen’s family was an important natural support and at Karen’s invitation were a part of her
Recovery Plan.

From the beginning, Karen worked closely with staff to learn skills of independent living, including cleaning her apartment, making nutritious meals, and maintaining a clean and neat personal appearance. She was very conscientious about keeping medical appointments for her goal of good physical and mental health. She was diligent about taking her medications as prescribed. She worked closely with a therapist from another behavioral health organization to find more positive ways to express herself and become healthier emotionally.

During her 1-year stay at SAP, Karen made progress on many of her goals and felt she was ready to be more self-sufficient. The team agreed Karen now had the skills to live independently in the community. She chose to live in the Norwich area and was able to find an apartment with minimal staff assistance. She agreed that receiving case management services while in this new apartment was important in maintaining recovery and so was referred to a Norwich provider. She continued to meet with her therapist as an important support for recovery.

Today Karen maintains her apartment without staff on site and has increased her social involvement. She is very proud of her many accomplishments, after a lengthy period of hospitalization, and is determined to continue to become more independent. Karen is in recovery.