Safe Transitions, Inc. is a rehabilitative program designed to provide safe, supportive, and healthy environments and assistance for persons with mental illnesses (MI) to learn skills, develop competencies, and grow in self-confidence. As a rehabilitative program, our philosophy is that persons with MI benefit from a chance to learn the skills necessary for success in his/her chosen lifestyle through professional group and individual relationships with trained staff.
We believe each client is an individual with both strengths and needs. Clients deserve to receive respectful assistance. In our program, each client has a right and responsibility to be involved in the development of an individualized treatment plan. We expect and encourage clients to take an active part in their treatment plan. Each client will be supported and encouraged to reach their highest level of independence in order to prepare for life in the least restrictive environment according to his/her wishes and abilities. Length of time in the program will be individualized to meet the needs of each client.
TREATMENT PROGRAM
As a rehabilitative treatment program, Safe Transitions will focus on active, individual client involvement in several key areas. These areas are seen as essential for assisting clients to be successful in their chosen lifestyles and include 1) preventing hospitalization & relapse, 2) vocational assistance, 3) development of basic and independent living skills, and 4) personal and social development.
- Preventing Hospitalization & Relapse
We believe it is healthier for persons with MI to live in the community rather than in an institutional setting, such as a hospital. Preventing hospitalization is one of the primary goals of our program. We see medication compliance and side effect monitoring as a key factor in preventing hospitalization. Medication supervision and education is essential to this program. Staff will be trained in medication supervision and the medications commonly prescribed to treat mental illness. Trained staff members teach and assist clients to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
We offer an atmosphere where clients can share their concerns about their mental illness, medications, progress, etc..... We offer information and experience in addressing such issues as how to talk to doctors and counselors, diagnoses, medications, warning signs of de-compensation, community resources, problem solving, decision making, community living skills, physical health and wellness, symptom management, coping skills, and relapse prevention skills. We also assist clients in connecting to medical and psychological professionals. - Vocational Training
We believe that clients need to prepare for life by learning skills that will enable them to participate in work, school, volunteering, homemaking, or other productive activity. In this program, clients are encouraged to practice vocational skills, according to their ability, by having assigned domestic or maintenance tasks and learning to be on time, stay on task, and complete work assignments. Clients perform household tasks such as gardening, cooking, cleaning, or maintenance, giving them the opportunity to practice skills as well as to learn how to get along with co-workers and supervisors. Clients are encouraged to take responsibility for following a schedule, just as they would do for a job, school, or volunteering. Clients will be pointed to vocational resources in the community, such as the area schools or colleges, volunteer opportunities, and employment opportunities as their abilities allow. - Development of Independent Living & Self Care Skills
In order to live in the most independent environment possible, clients need to learn independent living and self care skills. In their daily schedules, clients have the opportunity to practice a variety of independent living and self care skills, such as personal hygiene, cooking, cleaning, laundry, and shopping. In addition, our program offers skill building techniques and training including, but not limited to, money management, nutrition, menu planning, clothing selection, wise consumerism, and utilizing community resources. - Social and Personal Development
We believe a healthy support system is an important ingredient in successful community living. In our program, clients are encouraged to learn basic communication and social skills so they can initiate and maintain social contacts. Clients learn how to constructively use their leisure time by developing their interests and talents, and becoming acquainted with others through groups, clubs, and community activities.
Each client, as is true for anyone, has personal goals which they would like to achieve in order to lead a more fulfilling life. In our program, clients have the opportunity to enhance their self esteem through making personal changes. Also, the opportunity is given for clients to receive support in changing personal concerns, such as controlling anger, being assertive enough to talk about feelings, and improving/maintaining relationships with family and friends.