Social services for persons undergoing mental health rehabilitation

Seeking out social services for persons undergoing mental health rehabilitation

When the treatment of a mental health services client is not sufficient and the client needs social rehabilitation or housing services in accordance with the Social Welfare Act, the client can seek out services from the social services for persons undergoing mental health rehabilitation (the so called mieku team). A client in need of housing services or social rehabilitation seeks these out via a possible unit responsible for the client’s care.

Applications for services are made using the form “Hakemus mielenterveyskuntoutujien asumis- ja tukipalveluihin (Application for housing and support services for persons undergoing mental health rehabilitation)”, which includes an assessment by the rehabilitation client and by the unit responsible for treatment of the need for support, as well as a description of the current services the client uses.

The application form is sent to Soite’s services for persons undergoing mental health rehabilitation: Soiten mielenterveyskuntoutujien sosiaalipalvelut, Portti, Mariankatu 16-20, 67200 Kokkola.

Upon receiving the application form, Soite will arrange an assessment of the client’s need for services in accordance with the Social Welfare Act. With the help of this assessment, the correct timing of, need of and effectiveness of the service are determined together with the client. A decision is made about the requested service in accordance with the Social Welfare Act, and the decision is sent to the client by mail.

Social rehabilitation services

Persons undergoing mental health rehabilitation are offered social rehabilitation organized or outsourced by Soite. These services include:

• social rehabilitation
• adult day services
• exemplary employment
• Green Care
• community employment

Soite organizes social rehabilitation as its own service for young adults and people of working age.

Social rehabilitation for young adult mental health clients

The goal of social rehabilitation for young adult mental health clients (18–25 years) (formerly Siilinpesä) is to promote the client’s ability to function and their quality of life, to provide support for independent living and to help clients take care of their own health. The client is given support in finding their own resources and reaching their goals.

Social rehabilitation for young adults supports a mental health client in everyday life for a time period that has been agreed on beforehand. Meetings can be arranged in the client’s home or other settings where the client is active, or at the social rehabilitation office. Meetings are held 1-3 times a week. The social rehabilitation services cooperate with the network around the client. There is a supportive housing apartment in Kokkola, and communal group activities are offered at the Kaustarinkatu premises. The service is free of charge for the client.

Social rehabilitation includes:

• taking care of oneself and one’s home
• self-knowledge and communication skills
• management of one’s personal economy
• work, studies, hobbies and taking part in the society.

Social rehabilitation for clients of working age undergoing mental health rehabilitation

The goal of social rehabilitation for persons of working age (25–65 years) undergoing mental health rehabilitation is to promote the functional capacity and quality of life for the rehabilitation client, help them manage everyday life and take care of their own affairs, and provide support for independent living and for taking care of their own health. The client is supported in finding and achieving their own resources and goals.

Social rehabilitation for persons of working age is based on goals that have been agreed on together in a client plan and it is temporary. Social rehabilitation is carried out in the client’s everyday life and meetings are held weekly. Meetings are held in the client’s home or in another setting where the client is active or at the social rehabilitation office. The rehabilitation is carried out in cooperation is with the client’s network. The service is free of charge for the client.

The areas of social rehabilitation are:

• taking care of oneself and one’s home
• taking care of one’s personal affairs
• cooperation with a multidisciplinary network
• a meaningful everyday life, hobbies and taking part in the society.

Housing services

Housing services are intended for persons aged 18-65 years who are undergoing mental health rehabilitation and have an impaired functional capacity and challenges in managing their everyday life due to a mental illness. You can apply for housing services with a written or oral application. The application initiates an assessment of the need of services in accordance with the Social Welfare Act, during which an assessment is made on whether the housing services could be beneficial for the client and whether the client is prepared to commit to cooperation.

Housing services can be supportive housing, service housing or service housing with 24-hour assistance. Housing services are organized through outsourcing. Services that support living at home are prioritized. The client is supported by means of guidance and counselling towards independent living. The customer pays a fee for the housing services.

Attachments

Criteria for housing services for people undergoing mental health or substance abuse rehabilitation (in Finnish):