WHAT IS THE ALPINE HOUSE?
The Alpine House is a home established to (1) assist the returning mental health patient from inpatient status to life in the community, and (2) to provide a temporary home for individuals already in the community with emotional problems of such a nature that the atmosphere of the home would be beneficial. It is a place where these individuals may live for a few weeks to a few months, while working on various phases of their rehabilitation, then move on, when ready, into regular community life. Some structure will be provided, but the residents will be expected to make decisions, assume responsibility, and plan future objectives.
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BACKGROUND
The Alpine House was established as a demonstration and research project in 1963 by a three-year grant from the National Institute of Mental Hea1th. This was the culmination of several years' hopes, plans, and work by many interested persons in the community. At the conclusion of the grant, United Way of Utah County saw the benefits and strengths of the Alpine House and has given financial support each year since that time. The Alpine House has been able to be about 60 to 65% self supporting.
WHAT SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES ARE OFFERED?
Many services are provided by such state agencies as Wasatch Mental Health Center, Division of Rehabilitation Services, Utah State Hospital, Department of Work Force Services, etc. Since the residents are relatively young, most of them are either attending college, technical schools, or are working or seeking employment. Recreational activities are purposely unstructured so that the residents can learn to demonstrate their own resourcefulness in this area. Frequent group activities are planned by the residents and house parents.
WHAT IS THE HOUSING CAPACITY?
The home will accommodate 18 residents of both sexes. All residents share common living, dining and recreation areas, but the sleeping quarters are so designed to properly separate the two sexes.
WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR BEING A RESIDENT?
WHAT ATMOSHPERE EXISTS AT THE ALPINE HOUSE?
The atmosphere is homey and informal. Because numbers are small, the program for daily life comes naturally, much like that of a regular family. Residency at the Alpine House includes board and room, with each person alternately assisting with the dishes and other maintenance chores around the home and yard.
WILL I HAVE TO PAY TO LIVE AT THE ALPINE HOUSE?
The Alpine House is partially subsidized by United Way. The primary goal is to assist each resident to become as self supporting and productive as possible. Therefore, a reasonable monthly charge is assessed each resident for board and room based on a sliding scale with no one paying over $500.00 a month.
ARE THERE RULES AND REGULATIONS?
The Alpine House rules are the rules of society. There are few regulations imposed by the board and staff. The House Parents live in the home and are responsible for the general operation and well-being of the home.
PRIDE IN RESIDENCY?
Most residents have taken pride in being part of the Alpine House and have benefited greatly from group living. They have also benefited socially by entering into neighborhood and local church groups. They are doing their part in demonstrating to the neighborhood and community a more realistic image of the psychiatric patient in the process of being rehabilitated. Since work of all kinds has dignity, it is expected that each resident will take pride in the appearance and upkeep of the home and grounds. Although some tasks are assigned, others are done without being asked by residents who see a job that needs to be done. Those who help the most around the home are fortunate and are well on their way to greater objectives and goals.
EMPLOYMENT
Since most residents are working toward the goal of employment, any job opportunities from the community are always welcome. These would include both long range and temporary jobs for both the male and female residents.
AN INVITATION
Because the goals of the Alpine House can be ultimately accomplished only by providing an opportunity to the members of the community to gain a better understanding of mental health problems and to assist the resident in his or her adjustment, you, the public, are invited to become better acquainted with the home, its functions, and its goals. Interested individuals, groups, and civic organizations are welcome to visit the Alpine House. Arrangements can be made by calling directly to the home or contacting staff members. Applications for admittance are also available, upon request, from the same sources.