Affiliations: Functional Visions, Inc., 4758 Ridge Road PMB 203,
Cleveland, OH 44144, USA. E-mail: functionalvisions@nls.net | Cleveland State University, Departments of Health
Sciences and Psychology, 2121 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115, USA. E-mail:
b.bonder@csuohio.edu
Note: [] Corresponding author
Abstract: Objective: Independent living services were provided to fourteen
veterans with severe mental illness who live together in a rural group home
setting. The return to work efforts for three veterans who identified this as a
personal goal are described. Method: Data were collected using The Satisfaction with Life Scale,
The Independent Living Continuum, The Minnesota Follow-up Scale, The Recovery
Assessment Scale, The Readiness to Change Scale, The Flinn Performance
Screening Tool, observation, and informant interviews. Descriptive methods were
used to compare and contrast residents who were working vs. those who were not.
Results: Two of the three individuals who were working remained
employed after eighteen months. The three consumers who ultimately returned to
work expressed an initial desire to be employed and were more likely to
participate in performance-based activities than other residents of the group
home. The skills and barriers to employment were different for each person due
to different interests, skills, and motivations. Likewise, their experiences of
finding and attempting to maintain employment differed, both because of their
personal attributes and because of situational factors. This suggests the need
for individualized vocational rehabilitation programs. Conclusion: In spite of the limitations of the study, including a
small and homogenous sample, the findings can assist caregivers, mental health
professionals, and consumers with severe mental illness in recognizing those
individuals who are work-ready and who live in this type of supportive
environment.
Keywords: employment, recovery, consumers with severe mental illness, residential care facilities
