Advice for isolation and living situation
My adult sister has schizophrenia and learning difficulties and currently lives with our mum, who is her main carer. She has significant trauma around social services/professionals from past experiences and has become extremely withdrawn — she barely leaves the house and hasn’t independently in years.
We are trying to think ahead because my mum is getting older, and realistically my sister will not be able to live completely alone in future, but she is also terrified of services and highly resistant to outside involvement.
I’m trying to understand two things from people who may have been through similar situations:
- Has anyone successfully helped someone with severe anxiety/paranoia/withdrawal gradually leave the house again without breaking trust or making them feel “forced” or unsafe? What actually helped?
- Housing-wise, what worked long term? I’m struggling with the idea of traditional supported housing because she is very sensitive to chaotic/noisy/high-needs environments and would likely find communal living extremely distressing. I’m wondering whether something like a self-contained flat near family, with gradual support introduced over time, has worked better for anyone.
We are in the UK and trying to think about this before it becomes a crisis after our mum is no longer able to care for her.
Would really appreciate hearing from anyone who has dealt with something similar.