Resources available to help keep mentally ill out of nursing homes

Originally published: Friday, March 27, 2009

KSDK -- The number of people with mental illnesses living in Missouri nursing homes has jumped more than 75 percent over the last few years, which raises questions about whether they're getting the help they need.

Last winter, Daniel Coleman was at the end of his rope. He was homeless, mentally ill, with no where to go.

"I went to a bus stop and I started to pray," said Coleman. "I started to pray loudly."

Francie Broderick was walking by and heard his prayers.

"She came over and tapped me on the shoulder and said come on, go with us," said Coleman.

As fate would have it, Broderick works for Places for People, an organization focused on finding safe, cost-effective housing for the mentally ill.

"Most people with mental illness can live independently and want to live independently, if the supports are available and if affordable housing is available," said Broderick.

With Broderick's help, Coleman found his own staff-supported apartment and got the help he needed. But his story is not often the norm in Missouri. There aren't enough housing resources to help the mentally ill, so that is why many ende up in nursing home.

Broderick says the patients end up feeling hopeless and trapped. Lost in the system. A spokesperson for the Missouri Department of Mental Health knows the state could do better.

"Funding is the primary problem," said Larry Fletcher, with the Department of Mental Health. "We're working on developing some things, but our options are very limited."

For now, the state is working to build more housing alternatives for people like Coleman, so they can get back on their feet. And finally feel at home.

A brainstorming session, in which local professionals from the mental health community joined Congressman Russ Carnahan and former Governor Bob Holden, discussed how to improve mental health treatment around St. Louis. For notes and highlights of the meeting, please click here.

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