My uncle lives in Tennessee. He is having pretty sever psychiatric problems, including paranoia. He is a double amputee (legs) and lives alone.
He also has been crash dieting, and most likely his chemicals are all askew.
The problem is....that when he does go to see a doctor....he "snows" them by makin' them think he is just fine....then goes home and accuses everyone of being out to get him, stealing from him, etc. He really is "gone"....at times.
The family has gotten to the point that we are afraid to go around him. And, he really needs help....even with things like groceries. The basics of life.
We cannnot get authorities to listen to us. What do we do? He needs help or he is gonna get killed or kill someone. He has already crashed his car into an old lady and broken her hip, and says that he doesn't have any idea what happened.
If you can...please help!
2006-11-14 17:18:42 · 17 answers · asked by treefrog 4 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Treefrog, these both look like good bets, if not to get direct help, then to get information as to where you can go for help.
Good luck! And I know what you're experiencing. Years ago, before my brother was diagnosed as schitzophrenic, my family had similiar frustrations. Hang in there, keep trying.
http://www.state.tn.us/mental/crisis.html
http://www.namitn.org/resources.htm
2006-11-14 17:36:34 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try to find out the laws in your state for getting someone involuntarily committed. Be able to back it up with evidence --- the accident where he ran into the lady would be a start.
Perhaps you, preferably with another family member who knows what is really going on, can talk to his Dr. The Dr. can only help if he has a truly accurate picture of what is going on.
You all will be in my thoughts. Good luck.
2006-11-15 15:56:08 · answer #2 · answered by frenchy62 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say if you can get an appointment eith the doctor and talk to him about the uncle. Let him know what is really happening with him and go from there. Bring up dates and the accident to the doctor of the severity of the problem.
2006-11-14 17:40:44 · answer #3 · answered by sweet pea 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
In some states, you cannot get guardianship unless a doctor or judge will authorize it. The only thing I can think of is to call the sheriff's dept and if they would stop in occasionally and check on him to prove his instability. Does he have a power of attorney? If yes, that person would be the one to deal with the problem. You might try calling the Dept. of Welfare to see if they have a social worker to visit him and assess the situation. Good luck. You do have a problem.
2006-11-14 17:45:06 · answer #4 · answered by old_woman_84 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
You can get a second opinion and let him be "confined" first in a hospital that specializes in such things. But be sure however to show your love and support for him. Consider him "sick" so you'll not get mad or get irritated at him. Remember, he is still a member of the family and it is now, more than ever that he needs all your love and support. The whole family should be there for him.
2006-11-14 17:30:18 · answer #5 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Some adult needs to address him personally and be straight as an arrow about it...tell him what he is doing wrong and then go and talk to his doctors....sometimes, they appreciate the inside scoop....but don't let him know you have consulted with them. Continue to show compassion as his amputations have left a devastating mark on him it appears to me.. depending on his age,..you might get some help though the Seniors protections group of some sort...And pray on it hard and long...through Jesus...God bless and good luck
2006-11-14 20:27:49 · answer #6 · answered by MotherKittyKat 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'm wondering how old he is too. Does he have a history of major mood disorders or schizophrenia? Sometimes an older person can develop a delusional disorder. Does he have noticeable memory problems? It could be early symptoms of a dementia.
2006-11-14 21:44:12 · answer #7 · answered by DawnDavenport 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
How old is he? Could it possibly be alziemer's (sp?)?
Have you considered notifying DHS? Maybe they could help, or at least point you in the right direction to get him help. I think you are right to be worried, it sounds like he might have some form of dimensia, or at the very least a psychiatric problem (as you already stated).
2006-11-14 17:30:09 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Someone has to go to court and ask for guardianship. It'll be hard unless they move down there. They have to show proof that he's really doing all those things.
2006-11-14 17:26:46 · answer #9 · answered by Kacky 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You may have to send him to a place where he can get the care he needs, it's not really fair to you guy's to have to go though this. Are there any Mental health places where you can send him too?
2006-11-14 17:31:06 · answer #10 · answered by Robin W 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋