Housing and Community Supervision for Individuals with a Mental Health Disability: General Information and Eligibility Criteria

Housing services in the rehabilitation basket are varied and adapted to the different levels of function so that everyone can receive a solution that corresponds with their personal needs and preferences. The services facilitate the integration in the community of people who face similar mental health challenges while receiving professional support and establishing meaningful relationships. Housing programs are far more than just a roof over one’s head - they offer a humane and containing environment while providing an opportunity to meet people, share experiences and find a common language.  

Housing service objectives 

• Improve quality of life. 
• Reinforce the relationship with the community. 
• Support in coping with daily mental health challenges. 
• Develop life skills such as daily management, budgeting, task planning and orientation in the environment. 
• Daily supervision by professionals and instructors to achieve your rehabilitation program objectives and improve skills. For example, help in learning public transportation, or supervision for personal arrangements that you find difficult. 

The rehabilitation basket offers 3 options for housing services and supervision in the community that are intended for individuals with mental health disabilities, based on various levels of function: supervision for recovering individuals in the hostel, in a supportive community or who live on their own or with family members (sheltered housing service). 

The Professional Staff in Housing Frameworks  

The composition of the professional staff and the scope of services varies in each framework, based on the needs of the residents and their level of function. The staff largely includes a mental health professional, or rehabilitation instructor who provides personal supervision who helps perform various tasks included in the rehabilitation program. The staff oversees many areas of the rehabilitation process, including: 

• Activities to improve skills needed for an independent life.  
• Group recreational activities that will help you obtain tools to improve interpersonal communication skills. 
• Assistance in integrating into a meaningful occupation or employment, tailored to your abilities and needs. 

Individual Rehabilitation Program

Creating the program: Following acceptance into the service, a professional will create with you a rehabilitation program based on your preferences. The program addresses various aspects such as employment, society and recreation, life skills and education. The program is personal and unique, and it is important to actively and fully participate in its creation so that it reflects your personal desires.  

Involvement of family members: family members or significant individuals in your life should be involved in the rehabilitation process. The involvement is important since the natural support system of all residents will be key factors in the formation and implementation of the program.  

Program evaluation and update: At least once a year, the program is evaluated in order to update it, add new objectives and goals or to refine existing goals. The professional supervising you will help you do this in regular meetings during the year.  

Selecting the framework or supervision for housing services 

There are differences between housing frameworks and services in several aspects: the nature of the framework or service, conduct in each framework, the nature of the support, the goals of the support, etc. When choosing a housing framework outside the home, it is recommended to contact housing service providers, depending on the service approved for you by the Rehabilitation Basket Board, and visit the various frameworks. When arriving at the housing frameworks, you can gain an impression of the frameworks yourself, talk to the managers and instructors, and later decide which framework you like the most and best suits your needs.  

Absorption in a housing framework or community supervision 

Once you have selected a framework, you and your selected service provider must sign a document known as “Personal Rehabilitation A. This agreement regulates your rights and obligations with the service provider. 

Trial period in the housing framework 

If you have any doubts or concerns about whether a particular framework is right for you, you have the option of a trial period of up to 14 days before enrolling in it, with a fee proportional to the number of days you stayed in the framework.