Roberts House Opens
to Serve Clients
Transitioning
from Hospital
The opening of Roberts House on Septemer 4, 2012, was an
exciting addition to the Supportive Living program’s transitional
housing.
Much like its sister housing, Hamilton
House, the nine-bedroom house provides live-in support services to those
who have experienced difficulty living
independently because of a mental disorder, more specifically, schizophrenia
and other mood disorders.
Noelle West, Program Manager for
the house, says it is a welcomed alternative to the hospital for many, where
clients are referred from through Alberta
Health Services.
“We also know, and studies show,
people thrive more in the community
than in hospital,” Noelle explains. “If
8
someone’s staying in hospital and they
don’t really need the medical care,
they’re not getting a chance to learn
independent living skills.”
So far, 15 clients have been accepted
into the Roberts House program since
its opening. Although many came from
living with family members, some individuals were homeless prior to their
hospitalization and would have had
nowhere else to go after their hospital
release.
“We could use five more transitional
houses like these, for sure,” Noelle
explains. “I mean, with the amount of
Canadian Mental Health Association – Calgary Region
referrals we get – almost every week –
with only nine beds… not many people
can access the program. There’s a need
for it, absolutely.”
Clients who stay at the house have
their own room but share a common
area, kitchen and several bathrooms
throughout the house.
Daily routine, a sleep schedule,
chores, cooking and weekly activities both in and outside of the home
are some of the ways Roberts House
clients are supported in building their
independence. Staff is on site 24-7.
Noelle says she and her staff has