No job, no home, no way to look after schizophrenic brother
Family member has no way of looking after schizophrenic brother.
Another family member of a mental patient of Life Esidimeni mental hospital has come forward with their story in protest of the closing of the facility.
The facility was confirmed to be closing on 31 March, 2016 due to a lack of funding.
This is not the only facility that will be closing, all the Life care centres in Gauteng are in the pipeline to be closed.
Mary Anne Alley told the Herald about her 55-year-old schizophrenic brother, Solomon Rodger, who has been at the Life Esidimeni for a number of years.
Alley said her brother was diagnosed at the age of 15. He was placed in Sterkfontein and was thereafter moved to Weskoppies and from there he was placed in Modder B.
Modder B was then closed down and Solomon was transferred to Life Esidimeni.
She adds, “I am 57-years-old living with my daughter. My husband lives with us. I lost my son eight years ago to cancer and I am looking after his daughter.
“She has no mother. There are eight of us living in one house of which only one member is working. I reside in Nelspruit.”
It was explained to Ally that when Life Esidimeni closes, the patients will be transferred to other institutions.
Patients without families will be sent to non-government organisations (NGOs) that look after the mentally disabled.
Should patients not have families and not meet the requirements will be sent to NGOs, they will be sent to places such as Sterkfontein and Weskoppies.
“The problem with him is that he gets violent and can hurt you and himself. Our mother and father have passed away,” said Ally.
It is likely Solomon will not meet the requirements.
Ally explains further,
Out of all the institutions they had Solomon in, the best place has been Life Esidimeni. It seems the nurses and caregivers are very good.
“That is why we cannot understand why they would close this institution when the place is in such good, capable hands. It makes no sense.”
Ally said, “I don’t know. There is nowhere for him to go. I cannot expect my daughter to take him in. She is already looking after all of us. They will have to reconsider the closing of this place and all the other places.”
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