Successful model about to end

Sick Styrians are torn away from their families

Elisabeth Schiefermayer and Gerhard are a well-rehearsed team. The 61-year-old suffers from schizophrenia. He has been much better since he started living with his family in Paldau.

(Bild: Pail Sepp)

Mentally ill people can be cared for in a family environment under medical supervision. After decades of success, the Styrian model is now to be scrapped. "Just because those affected have no lobby, they are not heard," complains one person affected.

If he could wish for anything, it would be Kaiserschmarrn. "Lisi cooks it particularly well," says Gerhard. "And schnitzel". The 61-year-old has more than earned both today: the dishwasher has been emptied, the courtyard swept and the cat fed.