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Original poster

social help for my mother

11 replies

milward · 09/03/2006 21:23

My mother is nearly 66yrs. She's on her own & refuses to have contact with me or my sister. She's had a stoke in '97 that left no damage, high blood pressure & anaemia probs.

Anyhow - to shorten the story! - since 2003 she's told me & my sister to get lost. She lives in a house were the heating doesn't work properly & where there is no nearby public transport.

We'd like to know she was doing ok & also that she is coping. Are there any social services or help that we could get? We think that she has mental health problems & would like this to be assessed - but how? She wont agree to go to the doctors or even to let anyone or us into her home! - Thank-you.

OP posts:
jofeb04 · 09/03/2006 21:29

I know its not the same, but im going though social services at the mo (for adoption though).
Could be worth getting in contact with them, see if they can do anything for you.

Original poster
milward · 09/03/2006 21:34

Thanks jofeb04 - best wishes with your adoption xxx

OP posts:
Original poster
milward · 09/03/2006 21:42

just bumping this up - thank you.

OP posts:
lexiemum · 09/03/2006 21:45

the next of kin has the right to request a mental health act assessment under the Mental Health Act (1983) where there is a belief that their is concern for the family members mental health.

If she has a social worker - speak to them about this

If you can speak to your mothers GP then do this and request this

alternatively, contact your local Community Mental Health Team and ask for their advice regards this request - probably get their details from your PCT

Or phone PALS service (Patient Advisory Liason Service)- your GP surgery will be able to give you this number.

Unfortunately each county does this differently so can't be any more specific - hope this gets you on the way to find some support though.

lexiemum · 09/03/2006 21:46

mental health assessment not MH act assessment

Original poster
milward · 09/03/2006 21:50

Thanks lexiemum for your help here.

Never knew about the right to request an assessment - will mention this to her gp. She doesn't have a social worker & I'd like there to be someone who she has to let in to see she is ok.

OP posts:
lexiemum · 09/03/2006 21:54

it can only be the legal next of kin though. They can also refuse/place their grievance if the service places a family member on a Mental Health Act section (sectionning).

The Mental Health Act Commission look after the welfare of detained patients so this might be useful website for you to find out more about the rules of next of kin.

Original poster
milward · 09/03/2006 22:01

good point lexiemum - we're her only kids & she divoiced in 87 - but she did tell us in 2004 that she considered her sister (our aunty) as her next of kin as she was so annoyed with us (trying to help her!)

OP posts:
lexiemum · 09/03/2006 22:13

there is a way they sort out priority on legal next of kin- so if your mum hasn't named aunty in will then you may find that it is actually the eldest child.

Original poster
milward · 09/03/2006 22:18

I'm the eldest Lexiemum !! I've looked at the pals's www site for her area & it looks great. I'll call them tomorrow. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction!

OP posts:
sophiecustessofwessex · 09/03/2006 23:00

thsi situation is very like mine.

thank you for the pals info. i too have contacted the ones in my area. please keep us updated and this information is very useful

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