How do you go about having your parent committed to a nursing home?

If your step father threatens or has threatened your mother with bodily harm or you think that he might harm her, then he is a danger to others and should be committed for a total evaluation by calling 911.

I have a step-father that is very belligerent towards my Mother and others in the family. He is 89 years old and hates every one and everything. All he does is complains and curses. My Mother is 75 and can't handle the verbal abuse and the threats. I need to find out what can be done to have him committed to a health care provider. I have contacted his Doctor and haven't gotten any help from her. I am concerned about my Moms and nephews health and welfare. Any suggestions?

In our case it was assisted living. Mom didn't want to go, but we drove her there and moved her in. We didn't tell her until she was there. She was incapable of calling a cab to leave, so she stayed there until she had to move to a higher level of care.

The Nursing Home will do an evaluation, and they will want to see the recommendations of the patient's personal physician and neurologist or psychiatrist. A "commitment" is usually a court order and that involves a Judge.

I think it would depend on the scope of your authority under the POA, if you're referring to a Durable Power of Attorney.

I'm also wondering about the use of "committing" rather than a term such as placement. "Committing" in my experience usually refers to involvement through a Probate or similar level Court.

Perhaps it's just a difference of terminology, but I'm wondering what the circumstances are that you feel your parent needs to be "committed", and how your parent feels about that.

The other issue is what level of facility you're referring to - skilled nursing? Are there medical justifications for a SNF placement?

You'll also need to address the Medicare issue to ensure that it will cover care for your parent.

No, you don't need a Dr.'s consent. The easiest way to place a parent in a nursing home is through a hospitalization but it's not necessary. Find some facilities, make appointments to tour them, and make a decision.