In Belgian town of Geel, psychiatric patients hosted by foster families
The town of Geel, in Belgium's Flanders region, is home to a surprising centuries-old tradition, where patients with mental health issues live with host families. It's said to date back to the 14th century, when the city attracted pilgrims praying to Dymphna, the local patron saint of mental illness – and locals began opening their doors to them. Nowadays, families in Geel do the same, with the help of the city's psychiatric hospital. Doctors there say many patients are better off with host families than in a closed medical environment. This unique care model has gained recognition well beyond Belgium's borders. Our correspondent reports.
The town of Geel, in Belgium's Flanders region, is home to a surprising centuries-old tradition, where patients with mental health issues live with host families. It's said to date back to the 14th century, when the city attracted pilgrims praying to Dymphna, the local patron saint of mental illness – and locals began opening their doors to them. Nowadays, families in Geel do the same, with the help of the city's psychiatric hospital. Doctors there say many patients are better off with host families than in a closed medical environment. This unique care model has gained recognition well beyond Belgium's borders. Our correspondent reports.
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