Personal support systems of former mental patients residing in board-and-care facilities

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Abstract
This is a study of the personal support networks of a selected group of formerly hospitalized psychiatric patients now residing in board-and-care facilities in Galt, California. Its purpose was to assess the particular forms of support available to such persons and to suggest ways in which shortcomings in needed supportive interaction might be remedied. The article first reviews the circumstances of board-and-care placement. It then examines the concept of support systems and their relevance to the health and well-being of individuals. Following this, the findings of a study of 39 psy-chiatrically disabled persons residing in board-and-care homes in one rural California community are reported. Several recommendations are offered which illustrate two ways in which agency and community services might affect the support available to board-and-care residents.