J Korean Acad Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs.  2021 Dec;30(4):340-351. 10.12934/jkpmhn.2021.30.4.340.

Exploration of the Independent Housing Experience of People with Mental Illness in a Community

• Kim HJ
• Oh HY
• Lee HJ

• KMID: 2523900
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12934/jkpmhn.2021.30.4.340

Abstract

Purpose
This study aims to explore the independent housing experiences of people with mental illness who receive supported independent housing services provided by the public sector.
Methods
Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using semi-structured interviews. Twelve participants, who had been living independently in the community for around 11 months, were included. A qualitative descriptive method and a content analysis method were applied.
Results
Independent housing experiences of people with mental illness were classified into the following four domains: house effect, growth, challenges and limitations, relationships, and support. Eleven categories included the starting point of life, environmental & psychological comfort, inspire independence and confidence, recognition of goals and responsibilities, positive self-awareness, psychological difficulties, immaturity of daily coping, unstable self-protection, relationship improvement, and importance of support resources.
Conclusion
For successful community integration of mentally disabled people, continuous legal institutional preparation for stable housing, government active interest, and flexible financial support are needed. In addition to housing support, a recovery-based independent housing case management model needs to be developed for successful maintenance of independent living. We also suggest a study on the effectiveness of independent housing to determine evidence for making a policy.

Keyword

Independent living; Housing; Persons with mental disabilities; Qualitative research; 독립생활, 주택, 정신장애인, 질적연구