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My mom has Bipolar 2 and is very manic. We are trying to get her meds under control but she keeps escaping the assisted living. The facility is not a locked down facility and they are saying she needs to move out. I don't have long term care coverage yet but submitted all the paperwork. Originally we thought she had dementia but it isn't looking like she does. What are my options? My house is not one. I have two small children and work full time. I am going to look for other facilities but if I can't find a place that will take her then what happens? Does she go on the streets? Would the state take her? She is very defiant right now and I don't think I can keep doing this as her POA anymore. It's been over a year now. I want to get her help and keep her safe but its affecting my family now too and my health. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

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Jenn, Is this a recent diagnosis of Bipolar, or has she had it for a long time? I don’t even know what Bipolar 2 is. I guess it’s different from Bipolar 1. My mother, 86, was diagnosed with this about 60 years ago when they called it manic depression. I can understand why the AL says they can’t handle her. A person in a full blown episode is a fearful experience for all involved. I would definitely have her admitted to a geriatric psych ward in a hospital. Most hospitals have one. These are short-term psych wards for the elderly who are having problems with their medication or have not been diagnosed yet. They are locked down facilities, so your mother will not be escaping and her medication strictly monitored. They will not release her until she is stabilized. After that, if necessary, she may be eligible for rehab at another facility. This would give you time to make some plans. Since your mother was in AL, I assume that she could do many ADLs on her own, but you might look into a nursing home. Whatever the case, somebody else has to be responsible for your mother’s medication as this disease convinces the person that they are not ill, so they stop taking medication. When my mother’s has the right medicine, taken at the right time, she is a sweet, quirky old lady, but when she os off her meds - watch out!
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Thank you for responding. Bipolar 2 is the manic side where as the 1 is more depressed side. At least thats how it was explained to me. She was in a geriatric psych ward which is where she was diagnosed. She went there because she became suicidal and threatened to kill me. The assisted living is where she went from there. She was released because her insurance wouldn't cover more days. But her meds are not right because she is still manic. I've been trying to get her in to a psychiatrist but in the mean time they are telling me she can't stay there because she keeps trying to leave. She is able to do most of her ADLs so I'm unsure if she'll be approved for long term care funding. She has no money and I can't afford to pay for a place either. I'm just at a loss for what to do.
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Are you applying for Medicaid for her?

We really and truly do not have good compassionate care for the mentally impaired. I am so sorry. Please let us know how this unfolds for you. Many people are in your shoes, and we learn from each other.
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When you say "long-term care" do you mean Medicaid? This may not be relevant but how old is she? Somehow, she needs to be re-admitted to pysch ward. Try contacting the MD at the psych ward that examined her.
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Your story sounds just like mine I had an awful 1st year as poa and dealing w my mother. I live in the north west, She is in south Florida, she was Baker-acted 3 times and could no longer be left alone. There were only 2 places that took patients w mental problems, that the social worker could find. One was in Miami the other in Pompano. Facilities like these are out there but very few. I learned that my life will never be this carefree "finally my life is my own". Type situation, But I learned to keep my mom and all her crazy calls, issues and problems kind of in a separate bubble so to speak, it's just a part of your life, so u put her crap aside and try to enjoy all the other moments of your life to the fullest. It was dragging me down, I didn't sleep well she was on my mind when I went to bed.... And first thing on my mind when I woke up. No more..... Keep ur sanity don't let it consume you!
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