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Brother mentally very unwell, any tips on getting services involved

11 replies

TheGander · 26/07/2022 18:38

So as not to drip feed, my brother has lifelong mental illness, has never had paid employment, dropped out of 1st year uni and I believe may have undiagnosed autism. He lives alone in our late fathers home. Our mother died in her mid 50s. Dad had Alzheimer’s for 5 years and died in 2017. In about 2015 brother also had a breakdown and being the only relative in the picture I had to manage care for both of them, while holding down a job and having 2 young kids. It consumed my life for about 5 years. About 4 weeks ago I realise brother hadn’t answered any of my texts for 2 weeks, went round ( it’s a day trip) to find him in bed, home in a total mess, rotten food in fridge etc ( although TBH this is pretty much his normal environment, but it was obvious he wasn’t eating, self caring etc) . Contacted GP who did a visit, referred to social services, mental health team. I made a point of letting them know 1) he gives permission for me to obtain info re his care 2) he would not manage an outpatient apptmnt . They agreed to do a home visit and I gave them the Keysafe number. Today ( I’m on holiday abroad) I get a text saying they didn’t manage to visit ( no reason given) and can they arrange to visit with me. I text back, the text doesn’t deliver because it s a no reply number. They don’t give me a name or email address. I’ll try ringing tomorrow. We are heading to mountains after that and there won’t be reliable internet
My question is, how can I ensure they take this seriously? I will arrange to go over and meet them when I get back next week. But I can’t drop everything only to find they flake out etc. if anyone works in mental health services and can offer any advice I’d be grateful.

OP posts:
BlanketsBanned · 26/07/2022 18:46

If you are concerned about his safety you can contact the uk police and ask them to do a welfare check and explain whats happened

TheGander · 26/07/2022 19:02

Thanks I hadn’t thought of that.

OP posts:
TheGander · 26/07/2022 20:09

I have just tried 101 and 999 and it turns out you can’t get through from abroad. I will ring SS tomorrow. Any other advice on ways to ensure they and mental health team actually engage?

OP posts:
Felixsmama · 26/07/2022 20:13

TheGander · 26/07/2022 20:09

I have just tried 101 and 999 and it turns out you can’t get through from abroad. I will ring SS tomorrow. Any other advice on ways to ensure they and mental health team actually engage?

Ring the CMHT and express your concerns so they bump your brother . They have massive caseloads so unfortunately sometimes have to be reminded.

alexdgr8 · 26/07/2022 20:14

can you email police to do a welfare check.
look up constab local to him.
good luck.

BlanketsBanned · 26/07/2022 20:39

There should be a phone number for his local police station or duty mental health social worker

TheGander · 26/07/2022 20:42

Thank you both I have found the number for his local police station, they are closed now I will try tomorrow.

OP posts:
BlanketsBanned · 26/07/2022 20:42

Where does he live. We can look at police stations and ss for you

TheGander · 26/07/2022 21:38

Thanks so much @BlanketsBanned . I’ve found the police station and will call tomorrow . Also will ring SS tomorrow but your offer is really kind 😊

OP posts:
TheGander · 27/07/2022 09:53

No answer from SS today so I have rung the police, they are doing checks with local hospitals if nothing they are going to go in and check on him.

OP posts:
BlanketsBanned · 27/07/2022 10:17

Thats good to hear, I hope he is ok and gets the help he needs.

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