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Independent Living For People Living With Schizophrenia

What is independent living? Independent living is a home for people that need a little extra help caring for themselves. It is a steping stone for people to mature into their own independent living arrangement. The home has a house manager that lives there and provides supervised distribution of medication and prepared meals. There is usually a curfew to make sure that people are safe, and visiting hours. It is great for a lot of people including those with a mental illness, people who are handicap, and the elderly. I would recommend independent living for those who need help taking their medication, and as a temporary living arrangement until that person is stable and responsible to take their own medication.

Here are some reasons why independent living should be a viable option compared to living at home with a parent or sibling:

  • Feeling more independent or self-reliant
  • Less stress on family
  • Less disagreements with parents and siblings
  • More freedom to do what you want to do


I have lived in an independent living establishment. I lived there for six months. I liked it for a little while but I wanted more freedom. I liked the prepared meals because I do not cook. I did not like having a curfew and I wanted my friends to be able to stay longer than the usual visiting hours which were something like 2-7pm. I also didn't like sharing a room with two other girls, I wanted my my own room and bathroom. Lastly, I did not like having a suicidal roommate, fortunately the house manager called the police so that my roommate was forced to go to the hospital.

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Comments

kw said…
You really have your head screwed on straight! It sounds like you have great bounderies, which something I still struggle with.

I come here in a guily kind of way. I have a post that needs to be spread ASAP, so I'm going to put the link here. It may save an innocent man's life.

http://danomacnamarrah.blogspot.com/2008/09/stop-killing-of-troy-davis.html

Okay, thanks. I'll catch up w/you later, as I'm on a mission. Troy Davis is scheduled to die on the 23rd.
September 12, 2008 at 11:56 PM
John said…
Hey Ashley, I just read your entire blog and I really liked it. I had my second episode last summer which put me in the hospital for two weeks. I am still adjusting to life with bipolar disorder and I take Zyprexa right now, but I don't like the side effects. Anyway, great blog!
September 14, 2008 at 4:02 AM
Smizzle said…
Hi Ashley,

Your posts are great. I have a brother with SZ. As you are from CA, where can I find a listing for Independent Living houses?

Any help would be much appreciated! Thanks!
April 6, 2009 at 3:19 PM
Rita said…
Rita, 7yrs. my son as been a revolving door. Will not stay on his meds. To this day he denies he has schizophenia. He has even been court ordered. Which was the longest he was on his meds. and did great! His Dr. says he is very treatable. But has convinced his Dr. hes fine again. so they dropped court order. He has now gotten aressted again for being violant. Now another EDO. He has had a very good support family. Till now. All thats left is me, his Mother. Please I Pray, Direct me to a rehab or independent living facility. He is very strong willed 29 yr old. Very intellegent & needs help to accept his issues & learn he can still live a productive life with this.
March 7, 2011 at 8:11 PM
Anonymous said…
I was wondering if there's a way to no roommates.
November 19, 2013 at 12:30 AM
Unknown said…
Hi you people are really doing an awesome. I was looking for assisted living Denver CO, and found your post. Very Impressive.
July 18, 2017 at 1:37 AM
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