This support can help with ongoing or recurring psychosis, whether or not the person has a schizophrenia diagnosis. For an explanation of that diagnosis, see understanding schizophrenia.
Start with what they want from ordinary life: company, an interest, work or study, or help with something that is difficult. Agree your part in it, and make room for contact that is not about their health.
- Helping without taking over
- Keeping your relationship
- Sharing the practical support
- Support when this has been going on for months or years
Ask about family intervention
Ask the care coordinator, Early Intervention in Psychosis team or psychiatrist about family intervention. It can cover understanding psychosis, working through difficulties and planning for crises.
NICE recommends this for families who live with or are in close contact with the person: at least 10 planned sessions over three months to a year. Ask who can attend, what the sessions involve, how to access them and what support is available while you wait.
Asking for family support does not mean accepting blame for the illness or responsibility for preventing every relapse.[6]
Everyday support
- Agree which part of a task they want help with, rather than taking it over.
- Keep inviting them to things they might enjoy, and accept it if they decline.
- Keep medicine and treatment decisions with the person and their clinician.
- Offer help with physical-health appointments if they want it.
- Make a shared crisis plan without watching them constantly.
Lancaster University’s REACT toolkit suggests keeping the person’s interests and enjoyment in view, alongside everyday tasks. If getting started is difficult, ask which part they would like help with and notice the effort they make. A shared activity they enjoy may matter more to them than finishing every household job.
Keeping physical health in the care plan
Ask who is responsible for physical-health checks and follow-up. In England, adults with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or psychosis should be offered an annual health check by their GP surgery or mental-health team. Elsewhere in the UK, ask their GP or team how regular checks are arranged.
The check can cover physical measurements, blood tests, medicines and side effects. Offer help booking or attending if they want it. They can ask about a longer appointment or a quieter waiting space, and what will happen about any problems found. [18]
New physical symptoms need attention when they arise; do not wait for an annual check. The medicines guide includes precautions that need prompt advice.
Independence, work and support over the years
Keep the person’s own priorities in the care plan: living arrangements, friendships, an interest, education or work. Ask their team what help is available with the practical difficulties, including occupational therapy or supported employment if they want it. [19]
- Daily tasks and living alone
- Benefits, money and care needs
- Planning for when you cannot provide the same support
- Sharing the responsibility
You can ask for an assessment of your own support needs and find other people who understand. Use the existing guides for the routes where you live.
They’re still unwell or getting worse: contacting services, treatment reviews and help at home.
When Early Intervention support ends
Before discharge, ask for a written plan: who takes over, who reviews and prescribes medication, the next appointment, early warning signs, and daytime and out-of-hours contacts. Ask how they can get back into specialist care if symptoms return. If they have already been discharged and you are worried, contact their GP or current team; use the urgent route if help cannot wait.
You can also ask for a carer’s assessment of your own support needs. If compulsory assessment or admission becomes an issue, read about the nearest-relative role in England and Wales. It is a specific legal role, not simply the person’s chosen next of kin; the law differs elsewhere in the UK.[7]
If you are worn out, get support for yourself. If their health changes, contact their team or seek an assessment.
Last full source check: . Next source check due: . What these dates mean.
Sources and source-check history
Ask about family intervention
NICE: family intervention for adults with psychosis or schizophrenia. This describes recommended care; it is not a promise of local availability or a start date.When Early Intervention support ends
NHS: treatment and stopping medication and NICE: recovery, relapse and transfer of care.Physical health
NHS: annual health checks covers the England offer, appointments, consent and adjustments. Royal College of Psychiatrists describes ongoing physical-health monitoring.
Independence and support over time
NHS: community mental-health teams describes practical care and occupational therapy. Rethink: schizophrenia covers recovery and employment support. Linked site guides give the nation-specific care, benefits and supporter routes.
Last full source check: 29 August 2026
This material was moved from the psychosis overview on 10 November 2026. Moving it is not a new source or clinical review. The relevant additions were checked on 20 October 2026.
Independent information, not a medical or crisis service. This guidance has not been clinically reviewed. How we use sources.