Carers of all psychotic illnesses go through extreme stress
At 55, Sivaprasad* doesn’t work. His 52-year-old brother’s medications cost some Rs 9,000 a month, so he takes on online freelance projects whenever possible to fund the treatment. James, who is 50-plus, lives alone after his elderly parents passed.
The key, says Dr R Padmavati of Schizophrenia Research Foundation (SCARF), Chennai, was the training his parents gave while they were alive — handling money, maintaining a daily routine and managing basic responsibilities. Not that he doesn’t want to. After his parents passed, he is the sole caregiver of his brother with schizophrenia. Sivaprasad remains unmarried. But then, not every person with schizophrenia ends up in this situation.
His sibling lives abroad but today he manages life on his own.
Every week, about five patients co me in asking for long-term care at SCARF’s residential facility, says Dr Padmavati. It’s decided on a need-based scenario, when there is no one to take care of the patient or if they are unmanageable at home, she says. Surprisingly, in rural communities, the scenario is much better, says those in the field, as neighbours and community members may help monitor and care for a person rather than allowing them to become completely isolated. One person was able to take up tailoring after a community member stepped in and taught her,” says Dr Padmavati. Recovery involves helping the person engage in a daily routine, participate in family life, socialise and, where possible, work towards personal goals,” says Dr Padmavati.
Most Indian families try to get the patient married, hoping it will better their condition but without considering whether the marriage is likely to be functional or successful. But not everyone needs residential care. “With appropriate treatment and support, people might regain their independence and productivity. Urban areas, particularly crowded middle-class neighbourhoods, can be more difficult. “Medication is only one part of treatment. Sometimes the patient wants to work or become more independent, while the family wants them to remain at home.