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I am guardian of person for my aunt who is 63 Dx with schizophrenic disorders at 20, recieved 17 electro shock treatments at that time. A history from childhood on of agression and violent tendency. Attempts at a Dx of dementia began in 2002 due to the inability of her husband and son to understand the situations and severity of her needs her testing and Dx was not completed till I obtained guardianship, 4 months ago. She also has renal kidney failure (stage 1 kidney desiease) diabetes and more. I have records on file from 2002 on including nurse notes. I can not find appropriate care. The center I transferred her to is wonderful but I don't think they can handle her agression. It's day 2 and when sundown hit yesterday it has gone down hill. We had a wonderful day together and that night she got mad over mhmr and called me idk how many time to tell me she hates my guys called the disability center on me again ( it's ok George and I are on first name now, we talk often) today the center called had to move her to secure unit and she is trying to refuse meds. I hate the use of any restraints chemical or other wise. But I do know it can be neccacry with her at times. ( I have seen her take down 7 cops and 2 tazers at her worst) this center used no restraints and honestly I fear for the staff. I have been on receiving end for years she can hurt you bad. She has had a tough life. I want her to be safe and happy. A great quality of life. But I don't know what to do. The violence has made placement impossible. I am in tx thank you for any advice

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Is she on antipsychotics? Imo, medicating folks who have a mental illness ( including dementia) is not a chemical restraint; it's a palliation of a medical condition. She's in psychic pain; you need to give meds for that!
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I don't think she will ever be happy. Seems like you have a good raport with the facility. Facilities are not allowed to restrain a person. Has the facility complained? Maybe meds would be good for her. That may be the happiest she would be. Getting upset effects diabetes. I wouldn't move her. Does she see a neurologist? With all that is wrong with her, don't think she will be with us long.
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Contact NAMI (National Association for the Mentally Ill) and tell them your story. They may be able to locate group homes that are specific to residents living with a severe mental illness. The staff at these homes in many cases have a mental illness but are higher functioning, so they can relate to the residents and know how to handle difficult situations and the residents can relate to the staff. I know of a few of these homes where we live (in Arizona). Also, they may be able to locate a day program for people with an SMI diagnosis. In AZ, we have such a program and my mother attended this day program for many, many years before her health declined and is now homebound with me. Anyone with an SMI diagnosis was welcomed to join but you have register with the State's behaviorial health system/Medicaid. My mother is Medicare and was still able to attend this program. The program offers arts/crafts, outings like going to a movie or local festivals, etc, most importantly they offered companionship. In the 1980's, a classaction lawsuit was brought against the State of AZ for not having enough services for the people with an SMI diagnosis, and as a result of this case, multiple centers opened up offering day programs for people with an SMI. I think it was funded by a tax on cigarettes, but I don't exactly remember. If you Google "Arnold vs Sarn" in Arizona, you'll read what I'm talking about. My elderly mother has schizoaffective disorder but is no longer symptomatic of her illness, however, is suffering from the long-term effects of lithium extended release and Zyprexa.
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