Long term care in Cobb/Fulton? My mom tried to commit suicide Saturday (Atlanta: high school)

[Georgia75]

she is 64, has a loving daughter and son as well as daughter in law and son in law...loving brother and mother and used to have a ton of friends. My parents divorced 10 years ago and she hasnt been the same since. It really got bad though once I got enagaged at 31 and she retired from the school system. Since then she has been severely depressed, abused prescription drugs, in and out of the hospital including a 28 day program that did NO good and this time she took over 100 pills and left a note. She is safe in a psych unit right now but I don't know for how long. I am the only local relative (well, and my husband) and I am at my wits end...I am sad, angry, hurt, confused, and could pretty much use any advice or insight any of you could give me at this point.

[BobKovacs]

One of the biggest questions you'll face is what you're able to afford for care. Unfortunately, there's a big difference between what's available if you've got unlimited funds, and what you'll get if you've got little or no money for the care.

[kaday]

Hi I am so sorry to hear about your mother. Without going into any specifics I can tell you I know exactly how you feel. And I am so truly sorry for your suffering and stress. This kind of stuff really takes its toll on you (and your family). A lot of what Alanon and other organizations say about separating yourself from the addict is kind of useless when you love your mother and you don't want her out on the street.

You can look into some Independent living facilities or assisted living facilities for you mom here in the area. Some are pretty expensive but I remember one in Canton I looked at that was pretty reasonable. I can't remember the name but you can google Independent Living in Canton and it should turn up...it had bridge in the name.

Your Mom maybe too young for an assisted living environment but soon she'll be eligible for medicare (or medicaid can't remember which term is for seniors) and that can sometimes cover it. It may just be a good place for her. Also many places have a "spend down" plan that uses up all of their remaining assts then after they can stay using medicare dollars. At least in one of those places you'll know social workers are checking up on her, shes getting 3 meals a day and healthcare. Also depression among older people is pretty common so they can hanlde it.

Hopefully this helps and I'll keep you in my prayers.

[RoslynHolcomb]

Sounds like your mom is clinically depressed. Pay close attention to whatever diagnosis they give her at the hospital. With a DSM-IV diagnosis she can quality for SSI, disability and most importantly, Medicaid. Unfortunately, I haven't worked as a social worker in Georgia, but I doubt the rules are much different here than they are in Alabama. Medicaid will pay for her care and treatment at a residential facility if the hospital indicates that it's necessary. At the hospital she should have a therapist and a social worker. You need to get on the horn with them right away. They should be able to direct you to facilities and help you apply for SSI. You'll need written psychological evaluations and they should be able to help you with that. They can also give you a list of facilities that will take a patient on Medicaid rates.

Now, on to you. What type of support network do you have in place to assist you? These type issues are always a drain on you emotionally and psychologically, you need to be talking with someone to help you work through this. It's always difficult when the tables turn and you have to parent your parent. With any luck, the hospital should have some type of family counseling available to help you get through this. Help is available, reach out for it. Caregivers need and deserve all the help and support they can get.

[George Chong]

I too am sorry to hear about the recent series of events.

This might be a good place to start:

The Link Counseling Center I volunteered for them while I was in high school.

United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta

Best of luck to you!

[cj7]

I hope with all the good information you received here that you were able to help your mom.
Best to you.

[pinetreelover]

Skyland Trail-Atlanta: Bipolar, depression, dual diagnosis schizophrenia residential treatment. Adult mental health care, therapy, treatment and counseling. Hope for adults with mental illness through caring psychiatric care.

Take a look at Skyland Trail. I have done some volunteer work for them in the past and they are a very caring, high quality facility with excellent transition programs for easing her back into regular life after she improves with more intensive therapy.

Good luck. You are a good daughter - your mom is fortunate to have you in her life even if she cannot express this right now.