Passing the Peer Respite Bill
A national movement is afoot to create peer-run respites for persons living with psychiatric challenges who are in the throws of a mental health crisis. Peer-run respites afford a person the opportunity to get well, while maintaining independence in the community. A Bill (House Bill #3584) is currently circulating in the Massachusetts House and Assembly instructing the Department of Mental Health “to conduct a study of feasibility of providing peer-run respite services.” Residents of Massachusetts may show support for peer-run respites by contacting their legislators. Out-of-state readers are encouraged to research peer-run respites in their home regions. Currently, there are peer-run respites in New York (2), Maine, New Hampshire, West Virginia, Ohio, California and Georgia. New programs are starting in Vermont, New Mexico, Nebraska and Alaska.
What is a peer-run respite?
“A peer-run respite is a safe house, where people learn to manage emotional crises in a warm, welcoming, home-like environment, in contrast to locked psychiatric wards, which are institutional and impersonal. Peers find compassion and understanding from a trained peer staff, where they can acquire new skills for recovery.” (mpower)
Why are peer-run respites beneficial?
There are numerous benefits to peer-run respites. Peer-run respites can save state-run mental health systems millions of dollars annually. The average cost per day in a peer-run respite is between $200 and $300. The average cost per day in a state psychiatric hospital is between $750 and $1,200. The individualized attention, empathy, and recovery-oriented practices offered to persons in psychiatric crises at peer-run respites stands in sharp contrast to the often impersonal and institutional “red tape” that accompanies hospital admissions and on going treatment. When a person in crisis goes directly to a peer-run respite, it results in a significant cost savings, e.g., emergency room visit, medical assessment, police time, and ambulance use. “A California study showed ‘significantly greater improvement’ and ‘satisfaction was dramatically higher’ than with a locked psychiatric ward. Self-harm and violence is actually more likely on locked psychiatric wards because of the pressured atmosphere.” (mpower)
Who is eligible to enter peer-run respite programs?
According to Shery Mead of Stepping Stone crisis respite program, located in Claremont, New Hampshire, “Eligibility rests on having completed a pre-crisis interview with the respite staff and ability to demonstrate adherence to both the respite rules and the philosophy of peer support. The pre-crisis interview consists of both demographic information and collaborative brainstorming exercises with the goal being to develop a crisis plan.” Persons who are experiencing a mental health crisis, but not deemed dangerous to others, will be eligible to go into a peer-run respite. If a peer-crisis interview has been done, even persons with self-injury and suicidal histories can be welcomed. Peer-run respites would be part of a menu of crisis service options, complementary to existing programs. Participation in all peer-run services is completely voluntary. (mpower)
What services do peer-run respites offer?
Different respites offer different services depending on the skills and competencies of staff. Respite guests would be responsible for their own medications and keeping appointments with their counselors, primary care physicians, and psychiatrists. Recognized professionals train respite staff in the stages of recovery and the services needed at each stage. Staff members help guests identify personal “triggers” and “early warning signs” in order to create future action plans. Staff members assist guests in their recovery by offering individual attention, encouraging plenty of rest, and good healthy meals, along with opportunities for exercise and recreation. Length of stay varies and guests contribute financially to their stay at the respite when possible.
To move House Bill #3584 forward in the legislative process, please contact your legislators and request support for peer-run respites.