PEOPLE STRUGGLING WITH EMOTIONAL ISSUES NEED A PLACE TO BE:   SOMETHING TO CONSIDER

One of the obstacles facing families who have a member suffering from mental illness or addiction is finding a place for them to live where they can be "looked after" to the extent their illness necessitates.  Many of those who live with mental illness can manage on their own as adults; take their medications, eat healthily, keep a house, and keep a job, but too many need others in their life to monitor their self-care.   When that person cannot live alone, and aging parents who have previously taken care of their adult child need to find a home for him, where can they turn?  Group homes are sometimes the answer, but there aren't enough of them and they are difficult to find.  They often have long waiting lists.

I just learned of an interesting approach that dates back centuries; and it gives me another proud Irish moment.  It was an Irish Saint -- Dymphna -- whose experience long ago became the basis for a spiritual evolution that led to humane and family centered care for those whose daily lives are affected by issues of the mind.  A small town in Belgium has been opening its doors to these people for centuries.  Yes, centuries.  Mental illness isn't a new phenomenon.  In the village of Geel, people with mental illness live as "boarders" in the homes of other villagers in Geel.  It is a town full of people living out their lives in health and peace.

See the details in the following internet posting.

http://www.upworthy.com/the-families-in-this-town-have-welcomed-the-mentally-ill-into-their-homes-for-the-last-700-years?c=reccon1