The family experience of deinstitutionalization: Insights from the closingof Central State Hospital

Since the early 1970s, policy makers and researchers have expressed concern about the potential negative consequences of deinstitutionalization on fam ilies. This article summarizes results of a survey of family and lay caregi vers of patients discharged from Central State Hospital, which closed in Ju ne 1994. The survey was designed to assess the impact of the closing on fam ily members, including their attitudes, caregiving responsibilities, and in volvement in the treatment of the patients. Results indicate that family me mbers have mixed feelings about the closure. Family caregivers also reporte d that they have not been asked to take on significant amounts of the careg iving responsibilities since the clients were moved from the hospital. Fami ly members described a significant reduction in the frequency of contact th ey had with their loved ones and with professional caregivers since the clo sure. Implications for behavioral health policy makers considering or plann ing closing or downsizing long-term care facilities are discussed.