My 59 yr. old sister does not have dementia. She has a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia and is very stable. She needs assisted living because one aspect of her mental illness is low motivation for the tasks of self-care (cleaning, cooking, etc.) Her hygiene is excellent; her mobility is good. She does have severe osteoporosis. She is in assisted living now at a retirement facility, but the place has problems including poor plumbing and no activities. However, they accepted her diagnosis. Here is our issue: three of the nicer assisted living facilities I spoke with do not take people with a primary diagnosis of mental illness. I don't know how else to house her. She has aged out of assisted living for younger adults (ages 18 - 59) with mental illness; that type of facility is disappearing here in Los Angeles, because they do not make enough money. Those facilities (low income assisted living for mentally ill) are being bought up by investors who turn them into high-end retirement assisted living. These high-end facilities for the elderly seem to reject the mental illness diagnosis. My sister is sweet, stable, competent, and yet, cannot live alone. An apartment of her own with a caregiver is not affordable. Apparently, assisted living facilities, which are under state regulation can deny care to the mentally ill. I guess if she had a primary diagnosis of heart disease or diabetes, they would consider her. Anyone have any ideas? The place she is staying at has some low standards. She really falls through the cracks. This may be a question for the mental illness community and not the caregiver community, but maybe someone has had some experience. Thank you.
But at least there are several residential options for persons with dementia.
The stereotype that people with schizophrenia are a dangerous risk is deeply embedded in our social consciousness. There is no doubt some basis for this fear. But it is an extreme disservice to treat all people with this diagnosis based on a stereotype. I don't suppose the better ALs you've found would consider a written evaluation from her psychiatrist? This is so frustrating!
I hope you find a good place, and that it isn't inconveniently far from you. Meanwhile, is there anything you can do at the current place to overcome some of the low standards, at least for your sister? If they don't offer good and meaningful activities, can you arrange for her to go to concerts/plays/museums -- whatever would suit her interests? And if you can't go with her yourself, would you consider hiring a companion for several hours each week for these outings? Of course you should not have to make up for the low standards of the facility, but I see how much you want to improve your sister's conditions.
I have not seen this exact problem posted here before, but many caregivers have similar struggles. Would you mind coming back periodically and let us know your progress?
Is Sis on disability? Does she have a case worker? If so, that might be a good resource to talk to.
I certainly hope this can be resolved satisfactorily.