Worried about my mum...

[IfYouLoveSomebodyLetThemSleep]

To cut a long story short my mum is an alcoholic and I'm 99% certain she has some form of mental health problem. It's becoming increasingly clear to me that she is not able to look after herself. A few examples are: she invites strangers round to her house to '"show them round", she has debts that are ever increasing, she has next to no food in the house and the house is a tip, she drinks so much she doesn't even know if there is someone in her house.
Yesterday I found her sat alone in the dark, so drunk she couldn't talk, no heating on so she was freezing. I had to call an ambulance and she ended up in hospital to sober and warm up.
I don't know what her MH problem would be diagnosed as but she is a compulsive liar (recently she's told me she's got cancer, told friends that her sister has just died etc. all lies), she NEEDS the attention that causing drama brings, she steals and makes up her own story as to what's happened. She just doesn't seem to have any sense of reality.

She's also had a few big falls recently, ending up very badly bruised and broken ribs etc.

Sorry this is long, I just want to try and show how vulnerable she is. I just don't know what to do next with her or what help would be available to her. Does anyone have any advice?

You could ask her GP to pay a house-call and do what they call a mental health assessment. Explain your concerns and let them reach a diagnosis. I've done this myself with a relative that was subsequently diagnosed with and treated for paranoid schizophrenia. Good luck

I've tried ringing her doctors before and they didn't help much, but thanks for the suggestion. I've just found out social services were called by the hospital so hope they can help cos I'm at a complete loss here!

Liaise with the Alcohol Team at the hospital, chances are they are aware of her after her last admission. They can make suggestions about routes forward and talk to her about the issues. They'll also be able to support you.

You have my total sympathy, my Mum was exactly the same and it took her having a pretty bad fall in the house and being taken to Hospital. She was advised to go to an AA meeting by the Hospital and the potential shame (her perception) of it and me threatening to never let her look after DS was enough.

I really can understand your concerns though. X

Al Anon might be able to help you. It's to help the families of alcoholics.

She's had at least 5 big falls that I'm aware of but nothing stops her. It's so hard, it's her choice if she wants to drink herself to death, it's just hard to sit by and watch it :(