The path from in-patient care to independent living for individuals dealing with mental health challenges is a journey fraught with obstacles. At Bridge Support, we understand the complexities of this transition and have developed a unique model of care to help our clients regain their independence. Our policy is simple: we aim to support individuals so they no longer require our services and can lead fulfilling, independent lives.
Hospital to High Support with Bridge
Leaving secure hospital units can be a daunting experience for individuals dealing with mental health challenges. Significant hurdles often mark the transition from in-patient care to independent living. Patients leaving hospitals are typically in need of continued, intensive mental health support to maintain their well-being. This necessity stems from the complex nature of their conditions, which require specialised care and monitoring.
Traditional high-dependency mental health support facilities, while offering the necessary care and attention, sometimes lack a crucial focus: preparing clients for the transition to independent living. The result is that many clients find themselves staying in these facilities longer than required. Prolonged stays can unintentionally lead to a sense of dependency, and individuals may become deskilled in managing everyday life.
Bridge’s Approach:
Bridge Support takes a novel approach to high support. Our 24-hour facilities are designed to address the challenges that individuals face when leaving secure hospital units. We place a strong emphasis on skill-building and fostering resilience, recognising that these are critical components of a successful transition to independent living.
Our 24-hour facilities differ significantly from traditional high-dependency centres. We understand that independence is the ultimate goal for our clients. Our programs focus on empowering individuals with the skills they need to live independently. This includes daily life skills such as cooking, shopping, and household tasks. By instilling these skills, we not only promote independence but also enhance their self-esteem and confidence.
Our approach is not just beneficial for the clients; it also makes economic sense. Clients who receive our support are less likely to end up in expensive long-term facilities, such as secure hospitals. In case of a relapse, our 24-hour support provides a safety net, ensuring that clients recover faster without returning to a secure facility.
The key differentiator at Bridge Support is our commitment to the client. We hold monthly client-led house meetings chaired by clients on a rotational basis. This ensures that clients have a say in their support and encourages a sense of ownership and participation in their journey toward independence.
Moving on to Medium Support
Individuals ready to step towards independence often find themselves in a precarious situation. While they have made progress, the risk of setbacks looms large. This transition from high support to independent living is a critical phase, and moving too quickly can lead to challenges. Setbacks, including relapse and the possibility of returning to in-patient care, become significant concerns.
Bridge’s Approach:
At Bridge Support, we understand the delicate nature of this transition. Our medium support services are designed to provide individuals with the support they need to continue their journey toward independence. The focus here is on a gradual transition, ensuring that clients are well-prepared to manage the responsibilities and challenges of independent living.
Our approach to medium support is fundamentally client-centred. We work closely with clinicians and care coordinators to tailor our support to each individual’s unique needs. This ensures that clients receive the best possible assistance on their path to recovery. We are dedicated to creating a support plan for each client that aligns with their specific requirements, providing them with the tools necessary for a successful transition.
Transitioning to Flexible Support and Independent Living
As individuals progress through the phases of high support and medium support, the need for continued assistance remains. After experiencing high support services or facing setbacks while living independently, some individuals require ongoing targeted professional support to prevent regression. Without this support, there’s a danger that they might return to square one.
Bridge’s Approach:
Bridge Support recognises the critical need for ongoing assistance during this phase of the journey. Our flexible support services are designed to offer just the right amount of help to individuals who require it. Whether they’ve gone through high support services or have faced setbacks while living independently, we are there to ensure they remain on their path to recovery.
One of the unique aspects of our flexible support services is that we provide on-demand assistance. Every client has access to a phone number they can call whenever they need help, offering them a sense of security and comfort. Our partnerships with clinicians, community mental health teams, care coordinators, and care managers ensure clients receive the best support possible.
We provide clients with a resilience pack, offering actionable tips to help them manage their physical and mental health independently. This, along with the genuine bonds of friendship that exist between our staff and clients, creates a supportive and empowering environment.
The results speak for themselves: most clients transition from flexible support to more independent living in less than a year, sometimes even less. This approach not only ensures their well-being but also reduces the overall cost of care, which is only a fraction of what it would be in long-term in-patient settings.
Bridge Support is dedicated to helping individuals regain their independence and lead fulfilling lives. Our model of care, which spans from high support to flexible support and ultimately independent living, is designed to address the unique challenges individuals face during their journey from in-patient care to independent living. We aim to be the bridge that connects our clients to a brighter, more independent future.
For more details about our services and how Bridge Support can help, visit our website or reach out to us here
