Mentally ill relative: any advice?

[fedupandfifty]

I have a mentally ill cousin who has been ill for many years. I am now the closest relative in regular contact. We live about 20 miles apart.

He is unable/ unwilling to do much for himself, and has an army of carers, a brilliant social worker, good neighbours who understand him and another cousin nearby, who shops and gives general support. Even his lunch is delivered from the local cafe.

Recently, some money has gone missing from the house. I don't want to accuse anyone but feel that perhaps I should be more proactive about helping him keep an eye on his money. I was thinking of applying for power of attorney but this seems a bit extreme.

Any other ideas? My physical distance from him makes it difficult to visit more than once a week.

I think my first question would be, how do you know money went missing from the house. And what sort of mental illness does he have?

I suppose my point is, if his illness causes forgetfulness, or paranoia or somesuch, then that needs to be taken into account.

I think, if he is willing and comfortable with this, you could ask to discuss his financial needs with his social worker (when he is present) so that the three of you can work out the way forward. The social worker will be experienced in this sort of thing, and will probably be able to help.

Thanks. He says money has gone missing from the house. He has depression, and anxiety, which is long-standing. He's not generally paranoid, and has no cognitive difficulties. He suspects his cleaner, but has no proof.

Sitting down with the social worker sounds a sensible way forward.