My brother in law suffers schizophrenia, is mentally retarded and has diabetes. He has been on a waiting list for two years for accommadation but no one seems to want to help. He is getting looked after by his elderly 63 year old mother, has two case workers, but they haven't been able to do squat. He needs 24 hour care, is incontinent, soils his bed regularly, and is prone to violent outbursts, and still they send him back to be looked after by his mother. We go and help whenever we can but both working fulltime there is only so much we can do. It is getting to be to much for his mother, we're afraid its going to kill her in the long run. Does anyone out there have any ideas who we can contact to get help with this? Any information will be much appreciated
2007-01-01 20:19:46 · 3 answers · asked by Venessa Q 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
PS we live in Melbourne
2007-01-01 20:21:15 · update #1
contact a welfare worker from the department of housing in your state in Australia. they will be able to give you information on accommodation options for this person. there are many options and it is possible that another person who wanted to help care for him could approach centrelink for a carers pension and carers allowance.
it would also be possible to get some advice and guidance from the department of community services.
if all else fails then the only thing I can suggest is for his mother to place him in respite care then refuse to accept him back home, in effect abandonning him in care.... this is the only option many elderly parents have in many situations.... it seems cruel and heartless and she will need to be strong and understand that there will be a lot of pressure on her to take him back and she must resist... doing this does not prevent her from seeing him or having regular contact with him but it does force the local department of community services to do SOMETHING with him..
it is sad when it comes to this point but it is all that can be done sometimes....
Honestly with the high level of care he requires this last suggestion is probably the only way to get help... and if the mother falters at this idea then please reassure her that this is what several elderly parents of disabled adult children have had to do to get their children settled somewhere... before the inevitable happens... it does work out fine in the end... it is just a bit of a rough ride while every one flutters around and sayss ohh ahhh she isnt taking him home...
Best of luck with it all...
2007-01-01 21:16:34 · answer #1 · answered by wollemi_pine_writer 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not sure how it works in other states but there should be several facilities that are more appropriate to care for this man. Any treatment team should recognize that you mother is not the best choice of caregiver. Also, your mother can refuse to take your brother back and leave the matter to the state. They will HAVE to find an approrpiate placement.
2007-01-01 20:27:46 · answer #2 · answered by poorsias 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can have him put in a home for mentally challanged! If he was DIAGNOSED with Skitsophraina(I know that is spelled wrong) then you should have NO problem getting him accepted, it does cost money to put him in a home but he will be taken care of and friends and family are still able to visit as often as they choose! Ask your local mental health hospital for homes near you and ask for suggestions on your budget!
2007-01-01 20:24:37 · answer #3 · answered by airforce_wife09102002 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋