ABSTRACT

This chapter argues that problems such as homelessness are not the result of deinstitutionalization per se but rather of the way deinstitutionalization has been implemented. It describes these problems of implementation and the related problem of the lack of clear understanding of the needs of the chronically mentally ill in the community. The chapter provides some ways of resolving these problems. Homelessness is closely linked with deinstitutionalization in the sense that three decades ago most of the chronically mentally ill had a home. In countries such as Israel, where deinstitutionalization has barely begun, homelessness of the chronically mentally ill is not a significant problem. With the mass exodus into the community that deinstitutionalization brought, we are faced with the need to understand the reactions and tolerance of the chronically mentally ill to the stresses of the community. Activity and treatment programs geared to the needs of long-term patients can easily be set up in the community.