An innovative model of a home-like environment for people in vegetative and minimally conscious states

Abstract

Many forms of assisted living have been proposed for people who have a loss of autonomy in activities of daily living. Despite the increasing prevalence of vegetative and minimally conscious states, no dedicated residential accommodation has been implemented for patients with chronic disorders of consciousness (DOCs). Methods: This is a descriptive study addressing an innovative model of in-house assistance, named Casa Iride, which has recently been implemented in the attempt to ensure health, safety, and well-being for people with DOCs and their families. Results: Our findings show that Casa Iride enables severely disabled individuals to live with dignity within a customized domestic environment. At the same time, it provides support for caregivers from both a practical and a psychological point of view. Conclusions: The results so far indicate a virtuous cycle that brings health, social, psychological, ethical, and economic advantages: the individuals receive all the assistance needed; the families share a place with other people with similar challenges, become more aware of their situation, and learn to cope with it and to maintain their productivity at work; and the care flow of patients through intensive care units and intensive rehabilitation wards is not delayed by a lack of post discharge services.