need some advice on getting family member medical attention against their will

allnurses Guide · Aug 30, 2004

I finally read this thread tonight. Very interesting topic.

I have to say that I side with mschrisco and ktwlpn and others who say that people have the right to self-determination and medical care cannot be forced upon anyone.

steph

anney1981 · Aug 31, 2004

And you can guarantee this how?????????

That is what the organization is for. If an adult is at risk for harming his or herself, they step in. They may not force the man to do something but they offer him many options to increase his likelyhood of survival.

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Aug 31, 2004

Double post.

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Aug 31, 2004

That is what they are purported to be for, but not necessarily will do. Take it from someone that has been there, done that, and has the battle scars to prove it.

Please notewill realize that those organizations cannot function without consent/compliance or substantial evidence of incompetence on the part of the Adult.

And that is what will be difficult to prove/obtain. Therefore it is not "definite" that they will do anything. And using the phrase "definitely" may give false hope, and further distress those who care for him.

ktwlpn, LPN · Sep 5, 2004

we'd love to hear how things are going with your uncle and grandmom.....

merricat · Sep 6, 2004

alcoholics anonymous would most likely be willing to send someone over to the house to talk to him if he wants, also. they are in the phone book.

EarthAngel · Sep 10, 2004

my uncle is a alcoholic for many years now, he has began swelling up face and legs, his legs now have 10 inch diameter open wounds on them 1 1/2 inch deep draining and yellow, he also has a hernia almost to his knees. he lives with my grandma and of course is not employed, won't sign for medicaid or any help, says he wants to die. my problem is i do not want my grandma too find him dead soon. is there any way we can get him medical attention without his consent? he can't keep any solids down, he's started throwing any food up. any info would be greatly appreciated
thanx

If he says he just wants to die, then most would consider that suicidal ideation and he could be admitted involunatrily, depending on the laws of your area.

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Sep 12, 2004

If he says he just wants to die, then most would consider that suicidal ideation and he could be admitted involunatrily, depending on the laws of your area.

So, when a terminally ill patient says, " I just want to die."....is that suicidal ideation?

Generally, it takes more than a statement like that to diagnose suicidal ideation.

CCU NRS · Sep 12, 2004

Post deleted D/T OP not being involved in discussion since OP

CCU NRS · Sep 12, 2004

Post deleted D/T OP not being involved in discussion since OP

renerian, BSN, RN · Sep 12, 2004

For me/mind you for me/I have put in a legal document and my entire family knows about what I want done should I become ill. I have exclusions on CPR, tube feeds, all kinds of stuff.

If he is competent he has the right to do what he wants.

renerian

jenac · Sep 12, 2004

As for the competency question- this man is obviously depressed. The fact that he is stating he would choice death over care makes that a bit obvious. The question than becomes one of if he was not so depressed-would he make the same decision to refuse care? Follow me here? A severly depressed person may quit eating- but, were they not so depressed, they wouldn't. His refusal to me shows that he is not thinking of his own best interested-let alone that of his mother. APS should most certainly be involved. His decison is posing a very real imminent threat to himself.

I had a women once who kept falling at home-repeatedly. Broken hip, broken ankle-etc. The last time-she laid for three days before getting help. APS came in and forced her to stay in the hospital pending legal proceeds. She was court ordered into our facility for a month-to get rehab. before she was deemed apporpiate to be home alone. Even than-APS had the right to go back to court after that 30 days to extend it. She posed a threat to herself by repeatedly making decisons that were not in her best interests. I've also taken care of a gentleman who refused care to the point that the Dr. himself called the local sheriff-who called EMS. APS came in and forced this man's family to pursue guardinship, or they would have.

These people-while seemingly competent-were unable to make decisions regarding their own care. They were a threat to themselves. APS is there for cases just like this. Get this man help. He may not be happy about it- but the alternative is to sit by and let him kill himself. Does he have a right to do so? Certainly. But are you sure that is turely his wish- or his depression talking?