Able House

Residential Rehabilitation
ABLE House is a 9-bed, 24-hour rehabilitation residence dedicated to providing a safe, supportive and therapeutic living environment for individuals recovering from major mental illness. At ABLE House, residents have the opportunity to learn and practice the skills necessary to move toward greater independence, less reliance on care-givers, and an improved sense of self-confidence and personal empowerment.

Independent Living
Regaining independent living skills is a key element to psychosocial rehabilitation, and is included in each resident\'s Individual Service Plan. Skill in recognizing and understanding relapse symptoms, medication impact, and gaining coping skills to deal with symptoms of the illness are all a part of assisting individuals to live effectively in the community. Each day provides experiential activities which prepare the individual to carry out practical, realistic tasks of daily living.

The effects of mental illness frequently result in social isolation, disruption of relationships, and a general lack of self-confidence. Learning to live in a community environment\' affords residents the opportunity to regain social skills, learn important problem solving skills, and build trusting, healthy friendships and support networks.

Transition Planning
The average length of stay for residents is 6-18 months. In order to achieve a positive transition from ABLE House, residents and care staff carefully plan and prepare for transition into the community, including arranging needed support services for the individual prior to discharge.

Over the course of approximately 30 days, individuals are able to gradually move from ABLE House to their new living situation while maintaining the support of staff and fellow residents. The transition time also allows the individual to identify and problem solve any situations which are barriers to a successful re-entry into the community.

Skill Development
Each resident is involved in identifying the level of independence they want to accomplish, and the skills and supports required to reach their goal.

Residential staff are available 24-hours a day, providing role modeling and skill building consistent with the resident\'s Individualized Service Plan.

Staff and residents participate in a minimum of 25 hours per week of on-site, psychosocial skill building activities. Residents also attend the Opportunity House Day Rehabilitation program Monday through Friday. ABLE House residents use medication self-administration skills.

The responsibility for household tasks, including cooking, shopping and cleaning, is shared between staff and residents.

All residents of ABLE House must meet the eligibility criteria as defined by the State of Nebraska:

Age 19 or older
A primary diagnosis of schizophrenia, major affective disorder, or other major mental illness as defined in the most current DSM
At risk of hospitalization or severely dysfunctional living
Demonstrate functional impairments which substantially interfere with two or more major life activities


Some South Central Behavioral Services programs are partially funded with Region III, State, and/or Federal funds. Rehabilitation Services have been CARF accredited since 1996.