The principle goal of this study was to compare the effectiveness of two different after care programs for the elderly mentally ill by assessing clinical and fiscal outcomes post inpatient discharge.  The key research questions this study examined were:  1. Is there a difference between home care and outpatient care groups in frequency of rehospitalization? 2.   Is there a difference between the groups in patient outcomes (length of stay in the community, compliance with outpatient visits, compliance with medication and length of stay in rehospitalization?  3.  Is there a difference between the groups in cost of care?  4.  What is the patients/families perspective of the benefits/problems with home care services.

Using a nonequivalent group design with a total of 203 patients, results showed that home care patients were rehospitalized nearly twice as few times as patients receiving traditional outpatient services.  When rehospitalized, home care patients had a significantly shorter length of stay and the  cost of care was less post hospital discharge.  The home care patients used fewer services post discharge, were more compliant with their follow-up treatment plans, had longer community tenure and greater satisfaction.  Results indicate that home care services for the elderly mentally ill are clinically, qualitatively and fiscally more effective for this population.