My mother (71) was in the ER for alcohol poisoning over the weekend. What do I do now?
My mother and I live in separate states. She lives alone in a home that is much too big. She works only 2 days a week, and clearly has shown questionable understanding of her finances (ie. she refused to apply for her or my deceased father's SS, no has she registered for Medicare). She's been a drinker for the past few years and has driven off most of her friends, and has cut off communication with her parents. I've gently been bringing up the issue of the house being in disarray and not maintained to her and trying to get her to think about downsizing either her town or move to near us, only to be literally yelled at and hung up on. I want her to be safe and happy (though I really don't think she knows how to be happy anymore). I've talked the situation over with a lawyer and he says it's her choice to be an unresponsible adult. Then comes this past weekend... I find out from a coworker that she was in the ER uncontrollably vomiting and shaking. The ER wanted to admit her, but she walked out and went home. Her coworker asked if she is possibly drinking (which is the understatement of the century!). Any advice on legal avenues to explore would be great.
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I wonder if it would be useful to call APS in her county, say you are worried about her, and ask for a wellness check. Mention that she has been in the hospital and doesn't seem to have any insurance, even though she is eligible for Medicare. They may be powerless to help her also, but who knows? If they hit her on a good day she might be willing to listen to them about the help available.
You may want to check out al anon, learn from the experiences of others. You could try an intervention. Didn't work in my family but has helped some folks.
It seems to me the big problems here are your moms relatively young age, she's still functioning and legally competent. She may have to hit rock bottom before any rebound happens. It's also complicated by the fact that you're at a distance. I had the same logistical problem with my family member but honestly, I don't think I could have made much difference if I had lived next door.
Sorry to be such a Debby Downer. I would take another run at getting her SS and Medicare set up. If she continues the stupid drunk thing, walk away and don't look back.
Your mom is going to die of her alcoholism without intervention, and there are times that even with an intervention handled as lovingly and skillfully as possible, the condition can prove fatal. There are no guarantees, but just being gentle and tiptoeing around is not going to change things. I am sorry you are going through this. Al-Anon might help - sadly, there are a lot of people in your shoes.
1. I feel she is functioning alcoholic. Work is only now starting to figure out or admit that she is drinking or has a problem. I'd bet all of her vomiting/diarrhea illnesses as of late have been from drinking . This one just happened be bad enough to land her in the ER (and it is confirmed by the nurse as poisoning).
2. I'm the only child. I do have other family that would support the situation if it became an intervention, or if my mom hit bottom and went into rehab or a facility. They have all been burned by my mom trying to help her, so they aren't really interested in "helping" unless something is going to for sure change.
3. I've been considering calling APS on her. I think I'm going to get a lawyer and see if there is anything else I can do before blowing up what little relationship I have.
4. Yes. She cut off communication with her parents (and she was the trustee of their trust). For the past 1 year, I've been operating as secondary trustee and taking care of their finances and managing their care. My grandmother (mom's mom) passed last month. I was thankful to have been involved in her care, and it breaks my heart for my mom that she didn't even reach out before she passed. Granddad is 94 and hanging in there... but I'm not holding my breath :(
I want my mom to be safe. If that can't happen, I want to limit damage/possibility that she might harm someone else with her drinking. It's that last bit that makes it super hard for me to walk away... because I can completely see that happening...
So, you would like to keep your mom ( and the rest of society) safe. Are you familiar with the concept of " locus of control"?
You seem to be dealing with a person ( your mom) who has an addiction. Not only is this not in your locus of control, it may not be within hers. You may need to let go ( and let God), if that is in your vocabulary.
Someone who reaches Medicare eligibility age and who doesn't sign up either has a gold- plated trust fund of multiples of millions or is mentally impaired. I'd warrant that even most trust fund retires sign up for Medicare, so it seems mom is most likely not plaing with a full deck.
In your shes, I WOULD call APS and convey my concerns. I think it's the only thing you can do.
And read Atul Gawande " Being Mortal" and Roz Chast " Can't we talk about something more pleasant? "
I lost a family member to addiction not long ago. It was 20 years of hell for my family finally ending in death at a young age. I understand that addiction is a disease but my sympathy and patience for addicts has decreased through the years.
you may have to find the strength to step back at some point and let fate prevail. We can't perform miracles. Do what you can to help but always put the welfare of yourself and your family before a selfish addict.
How old is mom? If she is in her right mind but irresponsible, she's her own worst enemy, but not much you can do for her.
Would she agree to go to rehab? Has she, or have you, ever looked into an organization called Moderation Management?
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