RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Long-term psychiatric care in Ontario: the Homes for Special Care Program JF Canadian Medical Association Journal JO CMAJ FD Canadian Medical Association SP 233 OP 237 VO 114 IS 3 A1 J. A. Sylph A1 M. R. Eastwood A1 H. B. Kedward YR 1976 UL http://www.cmaj.ca/content/114/3/233.abstract AB During the last decade in Ontario large numbers of patients with chronic psychiatric disorders have been discharged from the mental hospitals and are now scattered throughout other psychiatric facilities. The Homes for Special Care Program offers privately run but government-funded accommodation for severely disabled patients with relatively stable and socially acceptable behaviour, who require residential or nursing care but are thought unlikely to benefit from further hospital treatment. Salient features of the program include the formal discharge of patients from hospital and their legal reinstatement as "persons", the cessation of active psychiatric treatment, and the provision of ongoing care and supervision by largely untrained personnel. Medical care is provided by general practitioners and the program looks to volunteer agencies to provide recreational and other activities for residents.