I need help, DU...

[cynatnite]

My daughter is currently in Idaho and homeless. She has had some serious issues for the past 4-5 years and while there everything pretty much imploded on her. We are living in Tennessee.

We are working on getting here. We're trying to talk her into taking a bus. I think her mental health issues have hindered her quite a bit. They've also taken a toll on her health. I'm told she weighs less than a 100 lbs, she drinks tea, coffee, and sodas. She rarely eats. She is very constipated also which is a result of her not eating. She is not a drug addict, at least not to illegal drugs. That much I know.

I'm pretty sure we will be able to get her here.

She does not work and only has a GED. Her children are with their father here in TN.

She has no insurance at all and we are unable to cover her.

What I want to do is to take her to a doctor for a complete exam, both physical and mental. I don't know who I would need to talk to about seeing if the state can help help her. Would I need to go to Dept. of Human Services?

I'm so fucking scared, DU. I've never felt so helpless or frightened like this before. I'm scared I'm going to lose her if she doesn't get help soon.

[elleng]

1. I feel for you, cyna.

Cross-post in 'mental health?'

:hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. Maybe you could go out there and bring her home?

That might make it easier...

As for the medical issues, I hope someone will come along who can help you...

Best of luck to all of you!

:hug:

[cynatnite]

4. Money is an issue which is why we can't go get her...

We wanted a plane for her, but we can't afford that either. A bus is all we can do, but her issues have gotten in the way of this so much that she wants to drive a pickup that barely runs and we can't afford to fix if it breaks down on the way. We can't pay for her drive all the way here anyway. We can only afford a bus ticket.

I want to find a way to get her the help she needs and I don't know if the state will cover her.

Thank you!

[tomg]

3. My heart breaks for you.

About ten years ago, I was as a parent in a crisis situation. I had no idea where to go or what to do. In my area we had a group called Family which kind of acted - among it's many other services - as a clearing house of information. They didn't provide the resource, but they found the resource for me. Were it not for them, I probably would not have gotten through it.

In your area, are there any groups like that who can help out. They are probably listed under crisis centers or counseling centers. I really didn't want Dept. Of human services as a start for a number of reasons. It was long hard road, but because of Family in Woodstock, we at least found a way to travel it. Good luck. Peace of heart to you and yours.

[napoleon_in_rags]

5. I work with mentally ill in nearby Washington state.

I can't speak for Idaho, but if she went west to WA there are supports. (currently under attack, but they are here.) Here's some common sense things you need to take care of RIGHT AWAY.

1) Does she have a cell phone? Get her TWO. (expect her to lose one) Prepaid, they are cheap. Mentally ill are oft victimized and she needs to be able to call 911 at any time.
2) Do you have a liason where she is, who you can contact on her behalf? Find out about local social programs. In pure red state areas, you need to talk to churches, see if there is a pastor willing to take a role in ensuring she's safe. You want somebody IN TOWN who she can call at any time things get scary, and you want somebody you can call if contact is broken.
3) GET HER HOME. Near you. Don't worry about health care, the secret is there is little we can do to fix mental illness...But having supports and regular food and showers makes a big difference in giving mentally ill a platform where they can stabilize.

Good luck, lots of love and prayers with you.

-NIR

[cynatnite]

8. That was very helpful. Thank you so much! n/t

[napoleon_in_rags]

17. PM me if you find out she has moved into western WA. nt.

[nadinbrzezinski]

6. Sent you a pm

[Blue_In_AK]

7. Oh, Cynatnite, I'm so sorry.

I don't have any advice, but I have been both the wayward daughter and the worried mother. I sympathize with you 100%.

[roguevalley]

41. me too. There can be nothing worse.

[Warpy]

9. Hospitals have social workers and those social workers can expedite things

like getting her covered under Medicaid until she goes on disability and Medicare kicks in three years down the line.

I hope she accepts help and doesn't fall through the cracks. The fact that she's destitute is actually in her favor right now. That will mean getting her care paid for will be a bit easier.

There's nothing like a cross country bus ride with someone else paying for it and dependence on parents at the end of the ride to convince someone that maybe his life needs to go in another direction.

[EFerrari]

10. Maybe she'd feel easier about leaving her truck

if she knew there was a chance of getting a new clunker on the other end. Is she okay to drive otherwise?

[EFerrari]

11. And what is that site that OneGrassRoot posts about sometimes?

WishADoo? If you have the time to go get her and only need the money, maybe that can be worked out.

Something will shake loose. :grouphug:

[MyrnaLoy]

12. What town?

[cynatnite]

14. She is in Rexburg. n/t

[MyrnaLoy]

18. I'm on the border

of Wa and Idaho, she's in a pretty remote town.

[physioex]

13. Sorry to hear about your situation.....

I agree she needs a complete initial work up, and ideally should atleast initally been seen by several specialists: family doctor, psychiatrist, and gynecologist before she is referred for some long term counseling. Also she should probably be screened for any sexually transmitted disease. I will keep my advice to a minimum as I know you will do what is best for her....

[ohheckyeah]

15. I'd call here:

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare:
Mental Health Services / Adult & Children
(Services for children with severe emotional disturbance
and their families and services for adults who have severe
& persistent mental illness)

208-359-4750

Adult - After Hours Crisis Line - 208-528-5700


Self Reliance Benefits Program
(Food Stamps, Family Medical/Medicaid Assistance,
Idaho Child Care Program, Temporary Assistance for
Families in Idaho (TAFI), Aid for the Aged, Blind &
Disabled (AABD), Personal Care Services, Home and
Community Based Services and Nursing Home Assistance)


Financial Assistance & Food Stamps - 208-528-5800

Maybe they can offer some kind of help.

[housewolf]

16. Once you get her back to TN

Look into TN's Medicaid program, TennCare.

Here's their website. You should be able to find out about eligibility, etc there

http://www.tn.gov/tenncare/

[cynatnite]

19. UPDATE: I tihnk we will have her home tomorrow!

My husband and I have been going insane since we learned of her dire situation.

A DUer has stepped forward to help her get her home to us by flying her here. I can't express how grateful my husband and I are for this selfless act of gracious generosity.

The company I work for has volunteered to pay for her mental and physical exam as soon as we can get her in.

All the advice and support we have recieved through DU has been truly amazing. At times it feels like the world is a truly heartless and cold place, but with people here at DU who go above and beyond it makes you realize that there is a lot of good in the world.

Thank you, DU. I truly believe my daughter's life is being saved right now. :grouphug:

[MerryBlooms]

20. Incredible! I wish you and your daughter well, on the road to recovery -

And, to those who stepped up to the plate - Wow! Total awesomeness!!!

[madmom]

21. I am so glad to hear this, I have found out in the past that yes there are some truly remarkable

people on DU.:hug:

[elleng]

22. Wonderful news!

:grouphug:

[Arkansas Granny]

23. How wonderful! My thoughts will be with you and your family.

[suffragette]

24. Very heartening news

:hug:

[renate]

25. that's beautiful

With such a wonderful start to her recovery I have a really, really good feeling about your daughter's future.

:hug:

And the generosity of the DUer who is helping you is truly inspiring. Thank you, whoever you are, for such a lovely example of compassion and kindness. :hug:

[Whisp]

26. I am so happy for you.

I read your post last night and I just couldn't comment, but I sure could imagine the hell you were going through.

I have tears of joy in my eyes for you right now.

Thanks to that good samaritan DUer and all who helped you.

[Frustratedlady]

27. That is wonderful. I hope the situation takes a positive turn and everything works out.

As a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, I know your frustration and concern.

Please keep us updated on your daughter's progress.

[lunatica]

28. This post made me burst out crying

It's amazing how DU has such kind people. I'm very glad you reached out for help. You're obviously getting it.

Hugs to you and your entire family. I wish your daughter a speedy recovery.

[auntAgonist]

31. This is wonderful news for your daughter and your family.

What a wonderful act of kindness and generosity!

thank you anonymous donor.

aA
kesha

[Liberal_in_LA]

33. I'm soooo happy for you and your daughter! n/t

[nadinbrzezinski]

36. Good

Good luck to all

[pengillian101]

46. What an Angel blessed your family

for bringing your daughter home to you. My prayer for healing has been sent for your family, cynatnite. And bless the donor for the gift.


:hug:

[cdsilv]

47. This is what wealth is FOR - helping others in need.

If more of the greedy bastards would do these 'little' things, society would be so much better.

[sufrommich]

29. Oh my gosh,cynatnite I am so sorry to see your family

go though this. It will get better,I've had some family mental health issues in the past and with the right help and medication, your daughter can get better than you can imagine right now.

[mstinamotorcity]

30. there are a couple of agencies you can try

The United way,Travelers Aide Society,and your Community Mental Health organizations. Try some of these if they can't help you they can usually refer you to someone or other organization. Also try Catholic Social Services they seem to be more in tune with community issues and have lots of resources. Good Luck and my best to you and your daughter.

[southernyankeebelle]

32. See if you can get her to go to a catholic church. Am sure they can help her. Call

the police department to see if they can find her. Tell them your concerned about her mental health. Surely any church would lead her and help her.

[Odin2005]

34. (((GOOD VIBES))) for your daughter!

:hug:

[texanwitch]

35. I have a family member who has major mental health problems.

She is a adult so there is not much we can do for her

I am so glad for you and your husband.

May your daughter get well.

[lovemydog]

37. good luck to you

and godspeed.

I hope you see her soon and help her get the help she needs.

Please keep us updated. This made me cry.

To the du'er who helped out - may you experience a blessing.

[sellitman]

38. A special hug to who ever helped you out.

These are the times I feel sad I have such little income compared to my needs.

With three kids in college we are very, very strapped for cash.

I would of loved to help.

[sfpcjock]

39. We will figure out some help for your daughter. k&r

...in San Diego you could call

It's Up to Us
http://www.up2sd.org/

Maybe you could get her here?

[blueknight]

40. once you get her home

if the medical part dont work out, if you can bring her to kentucky, my wife will give her a examination free

[FailureToCommunicate]

42. Hoping it works out for you and your daughter...

[rhett o rick]

43. my best to you and your daughter. nm

[donheld]

44. I'm so glad this is working out.

I hope there are much better days ahead.

[LAGC]

45. PM sent.

We Idahoan DU'ers are here for you if you still need help.

:hi:

[era veteran]

48. That is wonderful.

Some good folks here.