Housing Choices for People with Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia can throw a person's life into chaos. It can strain relationships and erode self-worth. And it raises the risk for substance abuse and homelessness. Having a safe, stable home becomes an important part of successful recovery.

If you have a family member with schizophrenia, one of many decisions you will face is where your relative will live. Among other things, you need to think about:

• The level of care your relative needs
• The options available in your community
• Your own situation

Living at home
Living with family members helps some people with schizophrenia.In other cases, it may not be practical or in the person's best interest.

Living at home may be a good option if:

• Your relative's illness is under control and he or she has friends and other social outlets
• Your relative is taking his or her medicine faithfully and getting other types of treatment
• Your relative is willing to follow household rules, such as no drugs or alcohol
• Others living in the home agree to the arrangement

Living at home may not be a good choice if:

• Your relative is seriously ill and socially isolated
• Your relative is not taking his or her medicine or using available support services
• Having your relative at home is very stressful
• You are single, an older adult or ill

It may be hard to make the decision to have your loved one live somewhere else. But remember:

• A person who is very ill may need more care than you can give them.
• A person whose illness is stable may want to be independent from his or her family. This is normal and healthy.
• You can still give help and support, even if your relative is not living with you.

Other housing options
The housing options for people with mental illnesses vary greatly from one community to another. Here are some examples of housing (listed from most supportive to most independent):

• Respite/crisis homes provide 24-hour supervision and treatment by nurses and clinicians. This type of housing may be an alternative to the hospital for a person having a relapse.
• Group homes offer structure and around-the-clock supervision. They include training in life skills, which can help prepare a person for more independence. Living in a group home is often the first step after time in the hospital or a crisis home.
• Foster or boarding homes are group living situations run by lay staff. A person whose illness is controlled might live in a boarding house while he or she waits for supported or independent housing.
• Supported housing is often an apartment in a building with an onsite manager. The person gets social services and support to be able to manage life on his or her own over time.
• Independent living is the goal for people with schizophrenia who are in recovery. Having their own home can be a source of pride and dignity for a person with a long-term mental illness.

Talk to your relative's case manager to learn more about local housing options. Be aware that in some areas, your relative may have to get on a waiting list for the housing he or she prefers.