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Mental health

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What to do when they don't want help

3 replies

ItisallPooh · 10/07/2022 13:58

I have a relative who after years in an abusive relationship is a mess. She is better than she was. Initially we were having to tell her to change her underwear and have a wash but she isn't much better. She might not be saying she will walk into the sea but she almost appears numb. She says she is fine now. I don't think she is and neither do several others but we are not next of kin. She doesn't care about herself at all. Not even enough to brush her teeth or cut her toenails.
She is barely functioning. She desperately needs help to clean and tidy her house, see a dentist about her rotting teeth, get a haircut and some clothes that fit her.
Meanwhile her adult children dump their kids and pets for her to look after. They are happy enough to leave her as is because who would look after the kids.
I hate the way her children are basically carrying on where their father left off. They only bother with their mum for care of the kids in the school holidays and for weekends.
When other relatives have brought up that she is struggling. One offspring said they would "Chuck her in a home or sheltered housing because they don't have time to deal with her.
I really want to help her but don't actually know

OP posts:
ItisallPooh · 10/07/2022 14:00

Sneezed and pressed send to quickly. Confused

Is there anything that people can suggest to help her. She has been really let down by her own kids but the wider family would love to support her. We just don't know where to start.

OP posts:
MrsBokke · 10/07/2022 14:05

Thats so sad, her kids obviously learned a lot from their dad didnt they!

Would she let family members help with sorting out the house and cleaning? Then perhaps think about gently helping her to face up to dental treatment etc..
Its going to be baby steps I suspect.

ItisallPooh · 10/07/2022 15:13

I'm not sure. I think it is all so overwhelming. When we could help, she usually has the kids and dogs too. I think we might have to have one person offer to take them whilst another offers to help her declutter/clean. I'm overwhelmed and I'm on the outside, looking in. I can't begin to imagine how she feels.

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