Unfortunately, while the medication controls their delusions (for lack of a better word), it reduces their cognitive abilities.
My best friend's brother developed schizophrenia at around 30 years old. A Vietnam vet, graduate of the University of Michigan, and a highly motivated individual. He lost his job, his wife, his home and ended up living on a beach in northern Michigan. Brother could do nothing to help him since he wasn't declared a threat to anyone or himself. Winter finally set in and he was still on the beach, the local judge, a long time friend of the family, was able to authorize Skip to be hospitalized.
Long story short, another friend who was head of the housing authority was able to get him an apartment and a job bagging groceries. After he lost that job, another friend who had a real estate office hired Skip to answer phones.
When Skip was on his meds, he was stable but could only handle menial jobs. But once he stopped taking them, the delusions came back.
I live in S.E. Michigan and I'll never forget the time I got a phone call at work on a Thursday from Skip, who lived 280 miles north, telling me he had an appointment with the French embassy on Friday morning and if he could spend Thursday night at my place. I said sure then immediately called his brother who lived down here also and Jack agreed to come to my house that evening.
Sure enough, Skip showed up and the three of us had a couple beers and a pizza. Friday morning came and I had to leave for work and when I got home that day, Skip was gone.
Schizophrenia is a horrible illness, not only for the affected but their families as well.
Skip died about 15 years ago from cancer. It started as a tumor on his leg and he refused medical treatment because he thought the doctors were going to kill him.
Sadly, that story is all too common.