Helping Brother With Mental Health Issues
Summary
In Nebraska, you can explore involuntary commitment and other care options to help your brother with mental health issues.Full Conversation
I have a brother who is sick. He is very irresponsible with his medication. He's taking it, and, also drinking alcohol. He has burned up furniture and carpet when nodding off. I want to know if we can have him committed to somewhere that can dole out his meds when it's time and just someone to keep an eye on him. We don't want a nursing home, they are not the place for him. Or, can he get a live in nurse to monitor him?
What is your brother's mental and physical condition? This information will help determine the best legal options for his care.
We all feel like he's self destructing. He takes meds for anxiety, I'm not sure what the diagnosis was. He takes a lot of different meds. His mental health is suffering from all the abuse he's putting it through. He doesn't think straight. They found him laying in the parking lot of a business the other night. His son found him
Does your brother have a legal guardian or someone with power of attorney over his affairs? This is crucial in making decisions about his care.
No
What state are you located in? Laws regarding involuntary commitment for mental health issues vary by state.
Nebraska
Does your brother have any history of violent behavior or pose a threat to himself or others? This is important as Nebraska law allows for involuntary commitment in such cases.
He definitely poses a threat to himself. He's always falling. He has missed dialysis appointments, he can't walk because his legs fill up with fluid. I believe he has missed dialysis so much they won't take him back.
Does your brother have any form of health insurance or means to pay for a live-in nurse?
In Nebraska, the Mental Health Commitment Act allows for involuntary commitment if a person poses a threat to themselves.
In Nebraska, the Mental Health Commitment Act allows for involuntary commitment if a person poses a threat to themselves.
No. He receives some type of check, maybe Social Security Disability. He had cancer and they got him through that. They noticed spots on his lungs and now he has lung cancer. They won't treat him because he won't give up cigarettes. He has been hospitalized countless times, because they release him and he goes back to his self destructive ways
No he has Medicaid I believe.
Does your brother have a primary care physician or a medical professional who is currently overseeing his care?
Yes
What is the contact information of your brother's primary care physician? This information is crucial for coordinating care and discussing potential options.
I'd have to ask his ex wife. I'm trying to help her find a solution. She can't work and worry if he's going to burn down the house!
What is your brother's age? This is important as different rules apply for different age groups in Nebraska.
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What is your brother's current living situation? Does he live alone or with someone else?
He lives in a home with his ex-wife and son
Does your brother's ex-wife or son have any legal authority or guardianship over him?
No
No
What is your brother's current mental health diagnosis, if any?