Team to tackle mental health services into homes

This post came out from Today (18 June 2014)

With a survey finding that most Singaporeans do not have direct access to mental health services, the Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH) is hoping to address this with a new programme that will see those at risk of psychiatric conditions receiving home visits.

The Mobile Support Team (MST) was one of the three community mental health programmes launched at the association's Jurong East centre yesterday. SAMH president Daniel Fung said: "For some patients - especially the elderly and those who are sometimes trapped physically - they are trapped emotionally, (where) because of their illness they are frightened of going out. We can go to their homes, providing support (to) their doorsteps."

Findings from the Singapore Mental Health study conducted by the Institute of Mental Health in 2011 revealed that only one in three persons with mental illness have access to services. Up to 70 per cent of those who need help are not linked to services in the community as well. Aiming to close this gap, the programme will see a multi-disciplinary team of allied health professionals - such as case workers and peer specialists - pay home visits to those at risk of psychiatric conditions. The SAMH will work with grassroots leaders to identify at risk persons and the public can also approach it if they need help.

Another programme launched yesterday was the Bukit Gombak Group Homes Aftercare Services, which provides follow-ups to clients who have been discharged from the group homes. Case workers will provide continued assistance and community-integration initiatives to ensure they are well-adjusted in their new homes and reduce the risk of repeated hospitalisation.

A second drop in centre for adults recovering from psychiatric conditions has also been set up in Jurong East. Club 3R Jurong will provide rehabilitation programmes such as art, karaoke, yoga sessions that develop recreational, social and vocational skills.


Thoughts:

1. Mental health is an unseen illness which many suffers might not acknowledge and seek treatment from. Some others felt that it is a taboo to speak about it, and refused treatment after the first consultation. All these made it difficult for community living if their mental state causes distress to family, friends and neighbours.
2. I hope that there will be more timely follow ups on mental health conditions, be it a befriending team or a regular visit by the health team to such patients at their doorsteps as it would be more convenient, and more easily to keep the sickness in check.

Thoughts anyone?

Yours,

Something Small Thinking Big