Half way houses - a review of the literature

Abstract

This thesis is a review of some of the literature on half way houses. Half way houses are usually regarded as semi-institutions, formal or informal, which exist in a position between hospitals and the community. They are established for those patients who are considered by hospital staff as being suitable for discharge into a semi-protected environment, which will enable them to gradually adjust and re-enter the normal community. Therefore from the hospital point of view, they are for those people, who are not yet able to live independent lives, but who seem to have the potential for running their own affairs. Likewise, the half way house exists for residents in the community as an alternative to admissions to hospital during a crisis period. One function of the half way house is to help the resident make the shift from a 'sick' role to a 'well' role; a function which hospitals, by their very nature, are often unable to achieve. In emphasising health rather than disease, the resident is encouraged to realise and test his own potential. He may not at this stage be independent, but with support, he is more able to reach that point. Half way houses are increasing in number and orientation, and are suitable for different types of residents. One of the conclusions the author arrived at in respect of the variability of houses, was that adaptability, success and other factors depend to a large extent on the orientation of the organisations running half way houses. This review is by no means conclusive and it does point out the lack of available literature and research - thus leaving open many possibilities for further studies, especially in New Zealand.