The quality of life of persons with severe mental illness across housing settings

The aim of the study was to compare the subjective quality of life of persons with severe mental illness in inpatient settings and two types of supported housing, small congregate community residences and independent living with support. Seventy-six persons living in three types of housing were interviewed using the Lancashire Quality of Life Profile. Analysis showed no differences in subjective and objective quality of life or in clinical and socio-demographic data between individuals living in the two types of supported community residences. Greater satisfaction in four life domains, living situation, social relations, leisure activities and work and two global measures, was registered by individuals in the pooled ratings from the two types of supported community residences as compared to those in inpatient settings. The former were also more satisfied than their counterparts were in inpatient settings concerning specific aspects of the living situation domain. It is concluded that differences in housing settings impact specifically on the living situation life domain but also on other life domains as well as on global quality of life, despite few differences in objective quality of life indicators. There was no evidence to support the concept of the quality of life gradient across housing settings.