Capacity for self-care of persons with mental illnesses living in community residences and the ability of their surrogate families to perform health care functions

Persons with chronic mental illnesses have a higher prevalence of medical illnesses and higher mortality rates than the general population. Those living in the community are usually linked with mental health services but are expected to manage their own medical care. The ability to manage their health care and the ability of "surrogate families" to assist them were measured among residents and staff of supervised community residences. In its surrogate role, the agency promoted routine health examinations and follow-up care. Its staff was a central resource for the residents, who sought out staff members for assistance with their health problems. However, residents and staff alike lack knowledge about health problems, medications, and approaches to modifying unhealthy lifestyle practices. Although residents identified lack of knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases as a major concern, staff indicated discomfort with this topic. These findings suggest the importance of supporting chronically mentally ill persons and residential staff in managing residents' health care functions.