<p>My heart goes out to Bob Smith and the issues he is dealing with. I’m not dealing with this with my kids, but rather my mother. She lives far away, in Texas, and has been mentally ill for almost 50 years. I have not lived with her since I was a very young child, but she has kept in touch, and I’ve seen her several times over the years.</p>
<p>An organization called Friends for Life is helping her to manage her money. A man who is helping her with this called me the other day. It looks like she is no longer capable of taking care of herself and needs a legal guardian to make decisions for her. The man who is helping her told me that she is about to be evicted from her apartment, and that she has been hospitalized several times in the last few weeks, but has been let go each time after a couple of days. It looks as if this organization would be able to take on the role of legal guardian, and I’m considering going through the process of having them do this. </p>
<p>I know that I cannot take that on, taking care of her that way. I’ve had a few interactions with her that have made that very clear. But I know nothing about any of this kind of thing. This has just come up in the last couple of days. I’m wondering if any of you have know anything about Friends for Life? Or have any knowledge or advice relevant to this issue?</p>
<p>I don’t know that organization. That man could suggest a guardian ad litem to handle MO’s affairs. If the guradian works in the ALF/SNF area, he/she will be able to recommend an appropriate setting. MO will need an evaluation by Medicare staff to determine if she qualifies for SNF (unable to care for self, e.g. shower, dress) or an ALF. Some ALF’s have a section for Alzheimer/mentally ill people. Some SNF are reluctant to accept mentally ill people. This is where you will need local knowledge. The MSW in the hospital can arrange for aftercare (the Medicare evaluation) and possibly suggest a private practioner that helps with placement and financial factors.</p>
<p>As was suggested to Bob, may I also suggest finding local counsel. Let him or her tell you if Friends for Life is legit and should be legal guardian. Or suggest an alternative route to go.</p>
<p>mstee. I have p.m.ed you but for the rest of the board, here is an excellent site from someone in the know in Texas. Edit: uhhh…Judge Rickhoff, that is. ;)</p>
<p>O.K. I’m back and I am now positive that this organization will serve your mom well. The District Clerk mentioned in this article is a very good friend . Additionally her deceased husband, our former County Judge (who presided over Probate, Guardianship, and mental incapacity Hearings ) was instrumental in this organization’s early years.</p>
<p>These are good folks and they have been awarded national awards for innovation. They come to me highly recommended.
Unfortunately it appears you have to register. </p>
<p>Thank you SBmom. I hope to talk to the man at Friends for Life some more tomorrow. It seems like the time has come to take a step like this. There is no one near her to look out for her anymore. And it appears she cannot take care of herself. She may fight it, though. I expect she will.</p>
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