Having a Hard Time
I had to leave my father in the hospital due to his mental illness. The hospital wanted to discharge him back home and said they could do nothing for him. And they could not force him into a care facility. Dad weighs about 110 pounds has no food in the house and has not bathed or changed clothes since he signed himself out of the rehab hospital two months ago.
I left him at the hospital hoping that if no one picked him up and he didn't have keys to get in the house that the hospital would be forced to put him in some sort of care facility. Now, my mind is going wild with worry. I keep wanting to call the hospital or go there. I have to replay him telling me to get out over and over again to keep things in perspective. If I call the hospital they'll tell me to pick him up. And then what? Do I let him sit home and starve because the law says it's his right to do so?
It was so much easier with my mother. She was happy that I was helping her. She was grateful for ever moment we had together. She knew I would never hurt her and that everything I did was for her own best interest. Dad has literally fought me every step of the way. I talk to relatives and they hear how he plans to kill me. Most have been told that I'm a drug addict and here I don't even drink coffee and spend my evenings reading the bible and watching TV.
I left him at the hospital hoping that if no one picked him up and he didn't have keys to get in the house that the hospital would be forced to put him in some sort of care facility. Now, my mind is going wild with worry. I keep wanting to call the hospital or go there. I have to replay him telling me to get out over and over again to keep things in perspective. If I call the hospital they'll tell me to pick him up. And then what? Do I let him sit home and starve because the law says it's his right to do so?
It was so much easier with my mother. She was happy that I was helping her. She was grateful for ever moment we had together. She knew I would never hurt her and that everything I did was for her own best interest. Dad has literally fought me every step of the way. I talk to relatives and they hear how he plans to kill me. Most have been told that I'm a drug addict and here I don't even drink coffee and spend my evenings reading the bible and watching TV.
Replies
I was in exactly your position 10 years ago. My mom was manic depressive and no longer able to manage at home or with us. We refused to take her forcing the hospital to find a placement. They put tremendous pressure on me and my siblings but ultimately they found her a care facility. Eventually a new normal involved regular visits as she gradually settled and ultimately was quite happy there. Please do not call the hospital. The best thing you can do is stay strong for you and your dad by forcing them to act. Good luck. Gerry
Oh my, I am so very sorry you are having to deal with this! There is definately something very broken with our system. I have to agree with Gerry. There are social workers that are supposedly trained to deal with these situations. But all the hospital wants to do is dump them on anyone but them. My heart is breaking for you, hang in there! Hugs and Love, Michele