Building the Path to Home

Conclusion

This section shares thoughts from families, clinicians and landlords, and provides information about specialized dual diagnosis training.

Messages from supporters

From families

It helps to find someone who will be a champion and is willing to advocate and stay involved with the person over time.

Whenever you call anywhere looking for help, you get a name, take time to develop a relationship on the phone and, if it's good, then get back to the same person. If you can get someone interested in your situation, with encouragement they will help you out.

Develop respectful relationships based on caring connections and humane treatment.

Be concerned about the safety of the family member. It's particularly hard for family to see a loved one vulnerable, in a support situation where he or she is not understood, and where he or she is extremely afraid.

Work toward understanding. Behavior can be misunderstood and people can get themselves into trouble with the law or people.

Taking care of your own needs can be difficult when you are supporting a person with a dual diagnosis at home. Contact other families in your situation. Look at the Supports & Services Resource Handbook developed by Concerned Parents of Toronto.

From clinicians

A quotation from a clinician sums up some good advice:

People think the solution is to make a million referrals to a million different agencies. It's much better for the person concerned if you make one good referral to an agency that has some expertise. You can find out which those are by asking the right questions, or talking to some of the specialized dual diagnosis service providers about the specific needs of the person you are trying to help.

From landlords

Landlords say that they need more information about dual diagnosis. They need to know that there is someone to call if there is a problem, and they need to know how to respond to a crisis.

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