We've been down that road in our family, too, Randye, but it wasn't as bad as what you are going through. Thanks for bringing light to this issue. It should be front and center. Not shoved into the shadows.
Yes, words matter. Thank you for pointing this out. Your mission matters. Thank you for putting a personal light on this issue. It must be painful living this, never mind sharing it.
It should never be referred to as “against their will”. My son has no self awareness to understand the danger to himself his disease and its actions cause. He/We are currently working with a great support team through Camh in Toronto, after a long wait list he is part of a “complex care team” and they have been instrumental in support. When he was not taking meds, we were appointed his substitute decision makers and we are exploring a community treatment order option should he refuse again.
That being said, too many are homeless or the hospitals treat to the street. Housing is a huge problem, there’s just no where for so many to go. It’s hard to get references and pay high rents in an expensive city and even harder if you are in psychosis. Our son has low rent safe housing only if he keeps the housing rules of taking meds and staying sober. As parents we are trying not to, but, do live day to day with the worry that he will not comply as he has had many second and third chances.
if there was any way we could enforce treatment, we would and will if we can. The healthcare systems and Society are failing our most vulnerable, who need the help the most but may not know it.
We've been down that road in our family, too, Randye, but it wasn't as bad as what you are going through. Thanks for bringing light to this issue. It should be front and center. Not shoved into the shadows.
thanks Roxanne
yes! precisely this: "his refusal of care isn’t a sign of independence—it’s a symptom of his condition." Very true!
AMEN.
Yes, words matter. Thank you for pointing this out. Your mission matters. Thank you for putting a personal light on this issue. It must be painful living this, never mind sharing it.
It should never be referred to as “against their will”. My son has no self awareness to understand the danger to himself his disease and its actions cause. He/We are currently working with a great support team through Camh in Toronto, after a long wait list he is part of a “complex care team” and they have been instrumental in support. When he was not taking meds, we were appointed his substitute decision makers and we are exploring a community treatment order option should he refuse again.
That being said, too many are homeless or the hospitals treat to the street. Housing is a huge problem, there’s just no where for so many to go. It’s hard to get references and pay high rents in an expensive city and even harder if you are in psychosis. Our son has low rent safe housing only if he keeps the housing rules of taking meds and staying sober. As parents we are trying not to, but, do live day to day with the worry that he will not comply as he has had many second and third chances.
if there was any way we could enforce treatment, we would and will if we can. The healthcare systems and Society are failing our most vulnerable, who need the help the most but may not know it.