Rehab home for people with psychiatric conditions revamped to increase capacity
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President Tharman Shanmugaratnam (left) and Adjunct Associate Professor Lee Cheng, president of SAMH, at the official launch of the newly refurbished psychiatric rehabilitation home, on May 31.
PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO
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SINGAPORE - Living with mental health issues can be deeply isolating, and society must challenge itself to help such people progress to living happy and healthy lives, said President Tharman Shanmugaratnam on May 31.
Being in a community setting is effective for this, and helps people on the path to recovery, he added.
He was speaking at the official launch of the newly refurbished psychiatric rehabilitation home by the Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH). It is one such community setting that helps those with mental health issues such as depression and schizophrenia reintegrate into society.
The SAMH Group Homes is located within the heartland in Bukit Batok, allowing beneficiaries to normalise living in a Housing Board estate community as part of their path to recovery.
The homes consist of five housing units located at the foot of an HDB block. Each unit is shared by nine to 11 people, and has a kitchen, toilets and a living room.
The open-concept design aims to encourage interactions, and there are no bedrooms in the unit. Beds are arranged in a row, similar to those in a shared dormitory room. The homes were revamped to meet growing demand and completed their first major refurbishment in January. They now have an increased capacity of 51 beds, up from 36.
SAMH Outreach Services senior assistant director Helen Yong told The Straits Times that demand for the homes saw a rise from around 40 referrals a year in pre-Covid-19 years, to a current projection of almost 60 referrals a year for 2024 and in the coming years.
Since it was set up in 1995, the homes have received over 400 beneficiaries who typically live there for 18 to 24 months, she added. However, some people live there for longer due to more complex issues like the state of their mental health and limited availability of other housing options.
Ms Yong said one possible reason for the rise in demand is an increase in younger clients. Currently, one-third of those living in the homes are under the age of 35.
If they are facing issues at home that affect their mental health, they seek out alternative living options such as the SAMH Group Homes since they cannot apply for a flat yet, she added.
A 23-year-old, who wanted to be known only as Sheryl, found that the strained relationship with her mother after her parents’ divorce was challenging to deal with. Diagnosed with schizophreniform disorder, she also struggled to maintain a job as she found the workplace stressful and had issues with concentration, leading to anxiety.
She moved into SAMH’s Group Homes in October 2023 to help her recovery. Help from supportive caseworkers and being given the chance to learn home living skills in a new environment boosted her confidence, and she has since secured a job as a bakery assistant.
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam touring the newly refurbished psychiatric rehabilitation home by SAMH on May 31.
PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO
“My condition does not define who I am. I have hopes and aspirations and with the right support, I know I will get there some day,” she said.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Tharman said: “We now know from our own experience… that persons with mental health issues are fully capable of going on their path of recovery, improving their lives, and making meaningful contributions to society. We can help everyone with a mental illness – to become great colleagues, friends, family members, people we all love.”
Mr Jackson Ee, 48, moved into SAMH’s Group Homes in 2015 after being diagnosed with schizophrenia. He had spent the previous 14 years unable to hold on to a job, relying on his parents. He moved into the home as he wanted to learn to be independent.
He said: “When I first moved in, I felt alive. I had more freedom here, and the staff were very caring towards my recovery, they gave me lots of support emotionally.”
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam with Mr Jackson Ee at the official launch of the newly refurbished psychiatric rehabilitation home by SAMH.
PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO
He told ST that by living in the HDB estate that the home is located and being close to the community, there were people around him constantly posing as reminders that he can lead a more fulfilling life. “That was a very important step for me to stay motivated to become independent.”
He lived in the home for five years before moving into his own flat in 2020. He currently works as a security officer. “I hope to inspire and motivate others who are still struggling in their journey of recovery, showing them that their path can also be filled with strength and endless possibilities.”
