Expert: Joyce A. Anthony - 9/10/2008

Question
My brother just recently FINALLY obtained guardianship over his wife who has bipolar disorder with recurring episodes.  She also has MS, is over 300 pounds, wheelchair confined, and REFUSES to take medication of any kind for her disorders.  He has spent thousands of dollars in attorney fees just to get the guardianship and is nearly broke.  They have no insurance for her either.  He is currently trying to get her qualified for Medicaid.  He has been desperatley looking for a facility that will accept her as a full time resident because he is completely exhausted in trying to care for her.  She is violent towards him also and he is afraid to sleep at nite.  The police have been called to the homes numerous times.  She has been taken to local hospitals but they only keep her for a few days, get her medicated, then send her home - where she refuses to take the meds and the cycle starts all over again.  Can you give me any information that I can forward on to him about how to get her institutionalized in the Indianapolis, In area????  PLEASE HELP US, we are DESPERATE.  My brother has now developed high blood pressure and is close to losing his mind as well!   Thanks for your input.

Answer
Marilyn:

While I do not personally know the laws in your area, please contact these people:

NAMI Indiana
P.O. Box 22697
Indianapolis, IN 46222-0697
(317) 925-9399
(800) 677-6442

They can suggest what courses of action are open to your brother.  They can also help him find local support groups that may be able to help walk him through the necessary steps.

                  Joyce A. Anthony