Closing these hospitals was a bad ideas, along a long history of many bad ideas.
We need to start building them again, and going back to the old ways.
The “old ways” were when FAMILY took over the burden. That's what we have done. It's not easy - emotionally or financially. WE also KNOW that warehoused away they will be ABUSED. You'd be surprised at what kind of person “works” in these nut houses - typically sadistic people that are underpaid. Paying them more isn't the answer either ... .
Warehousing them is not the answer.
I realize that my "solution" is not so realistic with most people because parent's don't even take the time with their KIDS who and (hopefully) not insane! They warehouse their kids away in "before care" and "after care" to chase the dollar. If they won't STEP UP for their own kids ... I suppose it is silly of me to think they will STEP UP to care for a troubled relative. I suppose you should take my advice with a grain of salt.
>>The “old ways” were when FAMILY took over the burden.<<
Have you had to deal with someone with a mental illness? Not all of them are alike.
While some can be cared for by family, a violent or suicidal person simply cannot. Period.
We had a young girl, Lord she was darling and sweet, who was cared for by the family. They thought they could deal with her depression. They thought she would be okay. They watched her like a hawk, mom even slept in her room. One day, the brother was watching her while dad was at work and mom ran to the store for milk.
When mom opened the garage door upon her return, there was her daughter hanging from the rafters. The brother dozed off. That sweet girl was 19.
You have no clue unless you have been there.