What determines if someone has OCD? More importantly, how do you go about having someone diagnosed when they deny having it and won't go into the Dr. for it? Specifically I am refering to my father who suffered from head trauma many years ago and his 'hoarding' and 'pack rat' tendencies have gotten completly out of control.I know the house he lives in is a fire hazard if nothing else because there is only a thin path to walk through everything that accesses a few of the rooms. The others are completly unaccessible. If he were to need an ambulance, there would be no way for them to carry him out on a stretcher and he weighs approximately 300lbs. He is a very stubborn man, especially when it comes to my opinion. I've also seen schitzophrenia symptoms compounding ten fold for many years since the accident (another thing he denies). What can I do? Who can I talk to? What programs are out there to help people like me in these situations?
You have very little control over this. He needs to see a doctor, however you can't make him. If you believe he is a danger to himself, please consult a local attorney. It Is possible you can become possible a guardian or something, and gain some control over the situation that way.
I agree with roaming, Attorneys are one way, however that is very hard to do, {enlisting an attorney}, I like to think the best way is with the help of a doctor.. However like you said if his house is a fire hazard, and he is a threat to himself {unknowingly} it is obviously worth it to save him or help him to live the rest of his years in safety, and somewhat happiness, hard to threaten him with calling an attorney, {he will possibly say he will disown you, or say some harsh things to you,} {not understanding your intent is to help him be safe} but the reward {his safety} outweighs the risk by way far!!!! so good luck in the decision you make, I would first, talk to his family doctor, to let him know your concerns, he can either order a psychologic exam for him, {and call the procedure something else, as to not scare him, and may have a better way to make him understand that people are scared FOR him, and point you in the right direction to go, before you involve the courts, because we all know, that once you bring up the courts/attorneys, he will shut all "doors" and think people are out to take away his freedom, which we know you just want to help him, tell him it's a test everyone of his age need to take just to be on safe side of things, and if they do find he might have Alzheimers, or OCD or schizophrenia, then they have no choice but to do what it takes to help him be safe, WITHOUT threatening him with the courts!!!
Again Good Luck in you Quest, and God Bless You!!!! tHE DOCTORS WILL HELP, IF YOU ASK!!!! I am sure of it!!!!!!
First I would really like to know the age of your dad? From what your saying it sounds more like dementiona the pack ratting and violent behavor are comin symptoms. But eather way here's the think. He is a man and for the most part house keeping is not top of the list (if at all) two he's 300lb just getting himself up to walk is a lot of work. Taking him to a doctor is not going to Change his inviorment. It's to overwhelming now not mention embarrassing.you and what ever family members you can get to help you needsto go there and be very calm and gently when talking to him and just start cleaning up. Remember to be very kind and understanding to his FEELINGS these are his things. One mans trash is another mans treasure. Start with the kitchen and if something looks like it could realy be keeped ask him were he would like it. Hopefully your catching my point. If ha sees your really over there to help and physically doing something not just telling him what he needs to do than he'll be more out to respect what you have to say. But you can't just start the job and than start telling him what to do again. YOU HAVE TO FINISH THE JOB. Than get him someone to help keep it clean. I'll be watching if you have any more questions. This kind of think is a long road not going to happen over nite. Lots of hard work!!! Good luck you need it.
the hoarding and stuff could be a direct reflecction of lonlieness and coupled with getting old this causes problems.the best way is not to do things yourself but to try and get your pops to think the clean up is his good idea.try sugesting the stuff has to go and get him a pet and say the pett needs the room,give him an interest in the pet and 5this may encourage him to go for a walk for exercise.good luck. ps.dont forget this chap IS your pops and is a bit not well. my pops is givin me all hell and everyone can see he is unwell,sugest that to my pops and he gets very violent and blames the world as he is never wrong... it tests my loyalty for my dad and all my patience...he wasnt always like he is now and when it gets too much i try to remember the good days when all was well.sometimes one is too close too help caus it hurts too much,try to get others to share the load.
ps try and see things from your pops point of view and then apply your way of doing things then compromise.dont ferget to make sure you are ok and well nuff to do this cos it is a long and arduous journey you are on,
Not to get your toes there Leaky. But I've been in the home health field for 20yr. Yes getting them to think it is there idea realy is a good thing for their prid and we all need that. But there comes a point were it is really overwhelming and thay just don't have the energy to even know where to start. I have helped many familys in this kind of situation and if it's to much for you as well talk to your local department of aging to find some kind of home health care facility in your aria to help.This is Home Health that come to the home and help with every day living. In some casees there is also founds available to thous on social security and or vets. And yes a pet is great after the place is cleand up and there is someone to help with daily choirs.
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