Avoid direct continuous eye contact. Avoid touching the person. Sit down and ask the person to sit down also. Address Many persons with schizophrenia are often unable to take responsibility for informing others about such matters as a change of address. If we leave them to do so we are likely to end up dealing with the much more complicated mess that will have to be sorted out when the consequences of this lack of action come about.
People like to feel that they are in control of their lives.
Sometimes it is difficult to persuade someone with schizophrenia to do what is best for them. Thus it is useful to offer a choice. Use some of that attitude in rethinking your treatment and interaction with a person who suffers from schizophrenia who may live near you. This doesn't mean that you need to be overly friendly, but don't ignore them, engage them in conversation, but don't be intrusive. People with schizophrenia, like a physically frail person, cannot defend themselves as well as a person in full possession of physical powers.