Can Schizophrenia patients get well enough to live on their own?

Hello Silly Lady Blue,

 

It is possible that someone with SZ can function well enough to live on their own.  A person who cannot live on her own could live in a supported residence, where the agency/landlord takes a third of her income in rent, or some other such payment is arranged.

 

It really depends on the person, yet the goal should be to live as independently as possible.  I lived in a halfway house, and then an apartment program, and now I've lived on my own for the past 15 years.

 

The main thing is, while your daughter lives with you, she should be cleaning her own room and cooking meals and doing laundry, and helping out.  All this would help her get ADL Skills- Activity of Daily Living Skills.  You should also take her grocery shopping so she is aware how much things cost and what a routine transaction at a store is like.

 

By the way, there are people with SZ who own co-ops and have mortgages, so there's a spectrum of living arrangements for people with this illness.

 

It is definitely possible for us to live independently.

 

Regards,

Christina

well i dont know for sure but i lived by myself before i was diagnosed and i know that it is not easy when your not taking any meds but i think that if she is taking her meds for a long time then yes she will be fine. i had a hard time because i was alone but soon i will be married and move out from my parents house and i pray that i can make it. she just needs to know that she always has a good support system and maybe she could move somewhere nearby so if she ever needed anything you will be there but i think that she can do it as long as she takes her meds

I am 50 and have been living with my 81 yr old mother for several years following a diagnosis in 1995.  Several times (4?) I have tried to live on my own and only lasted 6 months.  But each time, I have learned a lot.  In fact, I talked to my mother just a couple of hours ago about how I feel that it is once again time to be on my own.  I have been scouting out apartments online.  She does NOT want to live alone.  My father died 4 yrs ago and today was the anniversary of my sister's death 5 yrs ago so maybe my timing was not right, but the opportunity came up and I took advantage of it.  I assured her that I want to take care of her and will spend one day a week with her after I move.  She tried to talk me out of it, but did not succeed.

 

Like Christina said, encourage your daughter to do her share of the housework, the laundry, grocery shopping, etc., so she will gain or regain her skills in these areas.  So she will feel competent enough to be on her own.  If you think she is well enough to try a place that offers some assistance (i.e., with med compliance) go and look with her.  I was not able to find an acceptable assisted living place for sz residents, but I did find a subsidized rent place near where my mother lived.  A 2-bedroom apt for $450/month which was great.  The part of town was not the best, but I was careful to be safe and never had any problems.

 

Praise what independence your daughter DOES show.  Even the tentative steps.  Yes, it is possible for her to get wekk enough to live on her own.  Taking the medication is a big part of that, too.  Talk to her openly if you think it is time for her to try independent living.

 

Carolyn

I lived on my own for five years, paying rent, cooking meals, keeping the house clean, having friends over, shopping independently and going to college after I recovered from my illness. I also went to the doctor willingly by myself. I tried and worked and persevered to get to this stage. I fought tooth and nail to get better and am now well and healthy. The only thing standing in my way was extreme shyness. I got so anxious just going to the shop at times and asking for a sandwich, but still did it. I also suffered from paranoia. I was convinced people from the internet would recognise my name, pics or posts online. I was worried about this. I still do not post my real name or pic online anymore. It is terrifying for me. Also, I kept seeing a similar looking man around and had thoughts he was stalking me and had nightmares. I would check the locks on the doors constantly and every noise I woke up. I also would check the stove ten times and often be afraid to leave the house for some reason, but I would do it. I can't wait to live independently again. Nobody even knows or realises I have it, except for family.

yes. absolutely yes. it's not easy. i have really good friends who never questioned my phases of not being able to allow anyone in the house, or when i was afraid to answer the door, or when they would find the tv or entry phone system smashed or any of my other exhibitions of lunacy. it definitely helped to have a couple of cats - even when i couldn't look after myself i could just about manage to look after them. them needing me was a precious motivator. I was also well enough to hold down jobs for reasonable periods of time.

i am now 36 and have my own family, expecting second baby and coming off my meds. It's hard. It's really hard. I measure triumph by the hour, rather than by the day!

     Of course, with me I first lived in group homes for 3 years after my second acute break, but now I live in a nice apartment.  For me it was an easy step and I have no problems living on my own now.  Everyone is different though so it may be harder for you I don't know, but it's definitely possible, so don't give up!