Individually Based Psychosocial Rehabilitation for Older People With Serious Mental Illness (SMI)

Individually Based Psychosocial Rehabilitation for Older People With SMI

The major goal of this project is to adapt an existing group-based psychosocial program to enhance community functioning in older people with serious mental illness (SMI). The focus of the adaptation is designing and evaluating an individually based rehabilitative program for older people with SMI who either cannot or choose not to access a group program.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 50+;
2. ability to provide voluntary informed consent or assent, with formal consent by a legal guardian;
3. Axis I Disorder of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, or major depression;
4. Functional impairment based on New Hampshire state eligibility criteria for services to people with SMI;
5. Enrollment in treatment for at least three months.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. residence in a nursing home or assisted living facility;
2. Terminal illness expected to result in death within one year or less;
3. Diagnosis of dementia, or significant cognitive impairment as indicated by a Mini Mental Status Evaluation (MMSE) score <24;
4. Current active substance abuse or dependence;
5. Past Participation in HOPES-G