Tom, a Vietnam veteran living on the streets with a severe mental illness, was found one evening splayed on a darkened city sidewalk disorganized and delusional, thinking that others were out to get him. After being evaluated at a local hospital, he was admitted to The Spearly Center, a rehabilitation and skilled nursing facility in north Denver that specializes in the care of mentally ill individuals with behavioral challenges, chronic medical issues, and the overlay of the two.
People like Tom represent a disenfranchised and underserved group in our society. Not a high priority for health care professionals, there are not sufficient resources available – especially inpatient beds on a locked unit – to serve this population. Although the Spearly Center has housed such individuals for years, the Center could not keep pace with the demand in the community, as similar organizations decreased their bed availability for this population.
“Despite the fact that we had more than 30 secure beds, I saw the need to do more to help individuals with chronic mental illness and behavioral challenges, “said Sue Pappas, Administrator at the Spearly Center. “We wanted to provide them with more beds, but just as importantly, create a different environment that would be better suited to their needs.” Acting on this realization, Sue and the Spearly Center embarked on a two year journey which ended last month with the Center’s expansion of 17 secure beds and additional resources for people like Tom.
The remodeled Spearly Center unit includes several alcoves where residents can retreat when they feel over-stimulated, an enlarged outside patio, and two distinct common areas. In addition, the Center can now house more staff on the unit, including the Connections department, which provides daily activities and regular outings for the residents.
“In the short run, the changes had a much more immediate impact that I had ever imagined,” commented Sue. “Residents were more active on the unit, more outgoing, more positively emotive, and talked about having a brighter outlook. As one resident stated, “We see birds, sunshine, and the weather. When clouds come in, you can watch them. Even see the sunset if you catch it at the right time.”
The Spearly Center staff also found it to be a more positive work experience, “I am very happy for them because they have a bigger space. And I’m glad it has had a positive effect on them,” stated Ama Koomson, nurse unit manager on the locked unit, who explained that the extra space freed her up to be more available to the residents.
“It has been over a month, and not only have the positive changes endured, but with the passage of time, we have seen a significant decrease in resident to resident altercations,” Sue said. “This is an encouraging sign for us that this model is working.”
The recent changes at the Spearly Center have affirmed the Center’s commitment to this population, giving them not only a place to stay, but providing them with increased dignity and respect. It is proof that with time, commitment, and resources, people like Tom, who have struggled with mental illness and lived on the streets for years, can find a place to call home.
