Mental illness is a terrible thing to endure or to witness as it effects everyone in the vicinity of the ill person.
So much for care in the community?
Closing down the asylums was a stupid policy.
Asylum means a place of safety where people who need help can feel safe.
Leaving mentally ill people to tend to themselves is ridiculous as you have clearly pointed out here.
They do not know what is best for them or the family they are inflicting their lunacy on.
Thanks for sharing your memories. It must have been a terrible ordeal for all involved.
Welcome to steemit @mulwade I'm honoured to be your first follower.