relative since her mother died. The mental health here has only know her since I ask for services for her. (big mistake) . Now they are trying to step in when not wanted.. I have papers saying she needs a guardian... didn't need them until now.. I've ask probate court for guardianship . The lady at mental health told me she was going to fight me saying she doesn't need a guardian... my mentally retarded relative need around clock support... and guidance shes 48 yrs old and needs help in major areas of her life
they don't know her and just want the income her services provide i believe... I told them i want service still for her but not from them..
How do you fight a system thats way bigger then you. They know the system and have a lot more money ?
2007-01-03 13:58:07 · 8 answers · asked by frazzled 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Lets see if I understand this, your relative is on disability and you went to the human resource place asking for help to take care of her. Now they are giving you grief, just like a government agency!
You are in America right? Have you gone to the courts for paperwork giving you power of attorney over her? Start this process right away. The relative if she can think clearly etc. Needs to voice her opinion, or she had already and this is the result?
If one can keep such a person out of the system for this long this might be why this agency is looking at your family like they are. These people act like they are God and in many instances are God. The agencies act like and treat us family members like we are garbage at times thinking they know better for our relatives then we do. Oh the money the disabled brings in is a huge reason for these agencies to act as they do!!
If you are in the city go to a attorney for the disabled. If you can not afford this go to that legal aid place. Hopefully you get some help and soon! Lay low until you can get a legal representative. Make sure know one gets your relative alone in a room by herself without this legal representative, they can and may get her to sign over her life without her knowing what they are doing.....
Good luck!!
2007-01-03 14:13:10 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why would they think you are wanting the money instead of services ? They may have reason to believe something is not right here.....
.Have you taken her for all doctor, therapy, or developmentally disabled appointments in the past? No excuse if you don't .The health department compiles statistics and your relative should have a case worker following her case..If there isn't evidence of medical care, check ups, flu shots, x-rays, etc, the might be thinking that the money is being spent the wrong way.
You say nothing about , doctors, social workers, clinics, or day care for the disabled.....Your Health Department should give you advise about a caseworker......You are using the word "mentally retarded", the sysyem does not use that terminology anymore......
Is the care that you have given to your relative interferring with your life ? it can and does tend to take up so much time that things become unbearable....You need care too....There's respite care for caregivers....Take advantage of it.....
.If you are the custodian of this person I would guess you are attempting to get the courts to appoint you as legal guardian of this woman correct ? There are rules that the courts follow to allow that you be appointed guardian. I find it curious that you call your relative retarded, and the "lady at mental health says no "
DO NOT SURRENDER ANY PAPERS ,OTHER THAN COPIEES TO THESE PEOPLE AT MENTAL HEALTH.....
Another curiousity I have is this , WHY ARE YOU USING THE MENTAL HEALTH PEOPLE ?
Your relative is developmentally disabled if she is , in your words, "retarded " so why does she see a counselor at a mental health center for a problem relating to a developmental disability ?
The system may be bigger than you / us , but it's the best we have and works most of the time unless there is dishonesty on the part of the recipient or the administrator......
My honest advise is to retain an attorney and let him sort this out .........
2007-01-03 14:25:04 · answer #2 · answered by cesare214 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Right now your best bet is first off do not use the services the lady at mental health provides!
It is a really good idea that you are going for the guardianship.
You should talk to a lawyer though. There are a lot of lawyers that will do initial consultations, especially if someone with MR/DD is involved.
I have worked in the MR/DD (mental retardation and developmental disabilites) feild for quite a few years and also have an Aunt who is mentally retarded.
As for services, there are many out there, from "day training" to schooling. Talk to your family memebers doctor as well and tell them the situation. They will most likely be able to help you find access to services from other mental health providers.
Other than that the only thing is just to do your best to give your family member the best you can (I think that is pretty obvious though). Keep all the regular doctor visits and keep in contact with doctors, they can really help make a difference.
It will all just come down to what is best. As long as they can provide the care, family is usually the best. Your family member will also have a say in there care (depending on how high or low functiong they are) If the a woman is saying your family member does not need guardianship the she is high enough functioning to say hey.. this is what I want.
I really hope that things work out for you..
**Blessings to you and your family**
2007-01-03 14:22:47 · answer #3 · answered by ladypaige357 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Contact Legal Aid and see if they can assist you. In the meantime, contact United Way crisis line and explain your situation. They may be able to steer you to non-profit organizations that can supply you with the services you need. Good luck!
2007-01-03 14:01:46 · answer #4 · answered by searious 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your best bet would be to look for a lawyer that offers a free consultation, and maybe one that does not get paid until they win the case. They do have them in every state, you just need to take time to find one.
Good luck.
2007-01-03 14:01:03 · answer #5 · answered by tamlovinlife2 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call your local governent representative - you city council man, congressman, county commissioners office - and ask them for help. It is their job to help out, I believe. We had a family member bring down child services on our family and calling our local officials made all the difference.
Peace!
2007-01-03 14:12:54 · answer #6 · answered by carole 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to court and get guardianship of your relative, then if you want her in your home, look for good home health care. If not, look for a reputable adult group home for her that would provide 24 hr. care.
2007-01-03 14:02:24 · answer #7 · answered by barbara m 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
give up, you can't fight the federal government
2007-01-03 14:00:29 · answer #8 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 4⤋