Posted by Toph on June 2, 2005, at 14:26:36
In reply to how to help my Mom help herself?, posted by JenStar on June 2, 2005, at 10:42:42
Jen, in the county in which I work, our Adult Protective Services unit receives referrals on abused, neglected and exploited elders and physically disabled adults. We also do welfare checks on competent adults who are self-neglecting as you describe your mother. We would attempt to pursuade your mother to seek medical attention, and offer or suggest community services that would improve her health, safety and quality of life. Many states or local county agencies will not take a referral for self-neglect on anyone other than incompetent, at-risk adults. For your mother, sometimes someone outside the family is needed to form a helping alliance with a resistive client. Of course, a competent adult has the right to refuse any, including beneficial, interventions. Many times there is nothing that can be done for a declining senior fighting assistance - one who fears a nursing home, death or the loss of the last thing familiar to them - their home.
Try this link below to find the local Department of Aging to call and explore what they may offer in the way of assistance for your mother. I wish her the best.
Toph
poster:Toph
thread:506865
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20050525/msgs/506932.html