Q: Mother showing signs of dementia & becoming threatening, delusional, disruptive & costing family's ability to pay bills.
Father wants to know how to save family from financial ruin & possible physical harm(although she hasn't physically abused anyone yet, it's a very scary and real possibility it can happen & consensus is that it's only a matter of time as she's expressed sudden interest in guns, knives, crime scenes on TV with poisons, etc.). She's not herself and she's now very irrational, hostile, forgetful, and delusional. She may be scared too but she's extremely defensive and accusatory towards people who'd like to help her. Very strong concerns she's out of control and may unintentionally bring family down. Noncompliant with primary care doctor's preventative dementia meds. She refuses to see psychiatrists or psychologists as she says they're all "crazy" and she's called everyone in our home liars & thieves such that she's always hiding her purse (and losing lots of things she's hidden but then she can't find; and then calling everyone liars and thieves, etc.). We need guidance & help please?
A:
Under California law, you have several options to address your mother's condition and protect your family. First, you can petition the court for a conservatorship, which allows you to make medical and financial decisions on her behalf. This is crucial for ensuring she receives the care she needs and for safeguarding the family's finances. An emergency conservatorship can be granted quickly if there's a significant risk of harm.
Second, if she poses an immediate threat to herself or others, you can contact local authorities for a 72-hour psychiatric hold, known as a 5150 hold. This allows mental health professionals to evaluate her condition and determine the necessary treatment. It is a temporary measure to ensure everyone's safety.
Finally, it's important to document her behavior and any incidents thoroughly. This documentation will be useful in legal proceedings and when communicating with medical professionals. It is also vital to seek support from local resources, such as adult protective services and caregiver support groups, to navigate this challenging situation.
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