do you have a family member with schizophrenia?

Question

my mother has schizophrenia and it runs in my family. she has been in board and care homes and room and board homes. she is continually abused (not physically, but they tease her and they are very mean). how do i report this and to whom?

she's in a home because she has no family except me and im only gonna be 20 so i cant take care of her (though i really want to soon). the state doesnt give her enough money to live on her own so that's not an option. is there a way i can get her her own place and still have enough money for food and clothes? can i get the state to give her a little bit more money. also she was raped in one of the homes by another mentally ill person. she has been attacked by other people in a different home as well. she really needs her own place, but she doesnt have anyone to help her except me, but im poor and in college. i cant do it. please help!

Answer 1

I am a "family member" with schizophrenia paranoia. I have been able to live a fairly normal life for years (after the first few years of shock and trauma at what was happening to me) due primarily to the TLC of medical staff in VA hospitals and my family. I have been almost continually on anti-psychotic medications which help. I was really moved by your account. I do not know where you live but if in the USA the abuse your mother is receiving is not acceptable and should be reported immediately to the proper authorities.

As for her getting out of nursing homes that do not specialize in schizophrenic patients (where her condition might be better understood) there are state and federal housing assistance for disabled people. Contact your state chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally ill. This can be found by going to:

www.nami.org, and accessing their help line.

Tell them your problem and ask them for leads as to where to find safe and inexpensive housing for schizophrenics.
There are other state and federal agencies which can help; look in your phone book and/or write to your United States Representative or State Representative.

Good luck, good mental health, peace and Love!

Answer 2

My uncle is. Depending on the state you live in, there is an adult abuse number you can call. Try calling your local welfare office and they should be able to give the number to call.
Even if it is just teasing and being mean, that is abuse and should be reported. It is not like she asked to have a mental disorder. Whichever people are doing this to her are azzholes. She doesn't deserve that disrespect, report them.


When it comes to trying to get her a place, try calling your local housing authority. Usually there are low income housing for elderly or disabled.
Good luck.

Answer 3

Your best bet is to contact a social worker. This person will have all the answers to your questions. This is their area of expertise.

They will know how to handle each situation and also how to arrive at the things you want to happen.

Look up social services in your phone book and make a phone call. I have found them invaluable in my own life in regards to my dad's health.

Answer 4

If your mom is being mistreated at a care facility you need to report it to the adminstrator and D.O.N. (director of nursing) you need to go in there with names and do NOT back down. Tell them if it continues you will be contacting their state ombusman (they serve like a patient advocate for care facilities)... good luck.

Answer 5

i would say the state department of health... but why is she in a home... my husband is schizoprenic and his is control with medication and we live a normal life.... just a thought

good luck

Answer 6

yes my mother is and sometimes it can be a very hard time.

Answer 7

None.