Assisted Living and Community Support: A Significant Step Toward Independence

The transition to assisted living is one of the most significant and exciting steps toward full independence for individuals with mental health disabilities who are being rehabilitated. As part of the service, also known as "Supported Community Living," each individual in rehabilitation lives in a rented apartment, their own home, or public housing.   The fact that the apartments are located in the community allows each individual to enjoy a sense of belonging and encourages them to integrate into the community through social activities, volunteering, and use of community services.   Community integration helps develop a sense of purpose and enhances overall quality of life.   Individuals in rehabilitation who have used the assisted living service often refer to it as an "accelerated life skills course," where they can learn everything they need about managing a household, budgeting, and community integration.   The service is provided with varying degrees of support, including sessions ranging from once a week up to five times a week, depending on the needs of the individual in rehabilitation. 

The purpose of assisted living

Assisted living is designed to provide a support network for individuals in rehabilitation who choose to live independently in the community, while continuously improving their skills and functioning.  .   As part of the service, individuals can choose to live alone, with family members, or with roommates, and receive support, guidance, and supervision from a social worker, rehabilitation coordinator, and rehabilitation counselor.   In other words, individuals can live and thrive in a familiar environment while simultaneously receiving support and assistance from a professional team at home or in the community, based on an individual rehabilitation plan tailored to their needs and level of function. 

Who is assisted living for?

For adults aged 18 and older who are living with a mental health condition and need support in different areas of daily life:

• Individuals who already received approval for the Rehabilitation Basket.
• Individuals recovering from a mental health crisis who are seeking a supportive environment to help them with rehabilitation and to return to as independent a life as possible.
• Individuals whose mental health condition affects their daily functioning and who need a program that provides support and psycho-social care.

Professional support and the rehabilitation team

The professional team includes social workers and psychologists, alongside rehabilitation counselors. The team meets with and supports participants in their homes or in the community. They provide a safe space where people can share challenges, get answers to questions, receive guidance, and find encouragement when needed.

The combination of a professional team member and a personal counselor ensures the best fit for your needs during the rehabilitation process. This approach helps you gain tools for better coping with daily challenges. Professionals, counselors, and participants work together as a team. The professional helps build the rehabilitation plan, while the counselor assists in carrying it out. Collaboration between all those involved is essential to success.

The team’s roles

• Maintaining ongoing contact, mediation, and support.
• Helping to build an individual rehabilitation plan.
• Encouraging use of local community resources.
• Facilitating access to rights and promoting community integration.

The rehabilitation plan in assisted living

The rehabilitation plan is developed by the supervising social worker and includes support in a variety of life areas, such as:

• Managing the condition and supporting the recovery process.
• Integration into employment and education.
• Enriching leisure and recreation.
• Promoting a healthy lifestyle.
• Support in using technology.

Choosing a provider and enrolling in the assisted living service 

If the Rehabilitation Board determines that you are eligible for assisted living services, they will send you a list of service providers in your area, from which you can choose the provider that best suits your needs.   After selecting a provider, the rehabilitation coordinator from the Rehabilitation Basket will send them your eligibility approval, referral, and the medical documents you submitted to the Rehabilitation Basket Board, so that the provider can review your acceptance into assisted living.   

At the start of your engagement with the service provider, a professional staff member will assess your level of functioning and prepare a comprehensive report. Afterwards, a rehabilitation plan will be created for you. The professionals chosen to support you will assist during the adjustment period and maintain contact with your medical providers in the community, with local organizations, and with your family members.

Entitlements and responsibilities in supportive housing services

After receiving approval from the Rehabilitation Basket Committee and selecting a service provider, you will be asked to sign a contract that outlines your rights and responsibilities.

Your entitlements include:

• Active participation in creating your rehabilitation plan.
• Confidentiality and privacy. Your personal information will not be shared with professionals without your consent.
• The option to file a complaint with the service manager or with the Rehabilitation Basket team in your district of residence.

Your responsibilities include:

• Treating staff with respect.
• Remaining under regular psychiatric follow-up.
• Being available for scheduled meetings with the team and cooperating with the staff who support you.

Funding supportive housing

Unlike living in a hostel or supported community housing, individuals in supportive housing rent their own apartment and cover housing costs independently.

Termination of assisted living

If, for any reason, the assisted living service no longer suits you, you have the option to discontinue it or request to switch to a different service.   In such a case, you should inform the treatment coordinator or the service manager on behalf of the service provider, who are responsible for assisting you in transitioning to another service.  

• The service provider may also decide to terminate the agreement with you due to professional considerations.  If such a decision is made, before terminating the service, the service manager will provide you with a two-week advance notice, arrange an alternative service for you, and inform you along with all the professionals supporting you.   
• If there is a change in your physical or mental condition and you require greater support, it an increase in the assistance and supervision provided by the service provider may be considered.
• If you are hospitalized, your right to receive the service will be maintained for up to 3 months.