Gransnet forums

Ask a gran

Supported housing for mentally ill brother

(13 Posts)
LaCrepescule Thu 26-Sept-24 19:32:03

My 65 year old single brother is extremely mentally ill and barely functions. He currently lives with my other brother who took him in following the death of our mother in January. He lived with her prior to this as he couldn’t fend for himself.
My well brother (who has survived supposedly terminal cancer and lost his partner two years ago and had been incredibly kind,) can no longer care for him and I can’t take him in, it would destroy my sanity.
We’re hoping to get him into supported housing and he’s being assessed by social care. He inherited a large sum from mum so we’re accepting of the fact that he’ll have to pay for it. Do you know if social care still have a duty to find him housing, even if he has to pay for it? Paying for a private care home would wipe out his savings in a few short years.

Astitchintime Fri 27-Sept-24 07:57:40

I would be surprised if you brother doesn't have a support worker/social worker, given his circumstances. If he doesn't then I think your first priority is to contact Adult Social Care in his own county.
Given that you say he 'barely functions' your brother evidently needs a great deal of care and support which seemingly your mum gave him until she died.
Proper assessment for his needs is vital and I hope you manage to get him the correct support and care.
Good luck

keepingquiet Fri 27-Sept-24 08:05:32

I think any application would have to be supported by a team attached to your brother's GP.

Depending on the severity of his condition dictates whether he maybe a priority or not.

I feel it may depend on demand in your local area.

You say you are waiting to hear back from the assessment. There isn't much you can do until this has come back.

I wish you the best of luck as there is little support around for families. Your mum must have been a very strong person to have cared for him in the way you say you are unable.

foxie48 Fri 27-Sept-24 09:00:28

I think his GP and the mental health team in his area are the first people to talk to. However, a member of my family has poor mental health and at times the help available has been extremely patchy despite the members being extremely vulnerable. I hope there's help and advice that will give him support. I know from experience how difficult it can be.

LaCrepescule Fri 27-Sept-24 09:43:07

Yes, his GP and MH team have been involved for a long time. Adult social care are coming to assess him next week. My question is whether they’ll find him supported housing even though he has money. He’s willing to pay for it.
Thanks for your understanding. This is making my life and more importantly my long-suffering other brother’s life very difficult.
I’m really beginning to resent him and all the love I felt for him is evaporating 🙁

foxie48 Fri 27-Sept-24 10:01:03

www.mind.org.uk/information-support/legal-rights/health-and-social-care-rights/about-social-care/

The above might be helpful to you but MIND would be a useful place to seek help regardless.

Wyllow3 Fri 27-Sept-24 10:01:41

Thats very understandable. Sounds like he needs more than a warden supported flat. All the best with it x

Wyllow3 Fri 27-Sept-24 10:04:03

foxie48

www.mind.org.uk/information-support/legal-rights/health-and-social-care-rights/about-social-care/

The above might be helpful to you but MIND would be a useful place to seek help regardless.

Excellent suggestion - ring MIND in advance to find out what might be offered and the money question so you are prepared - for example.... if they offer carers coming into the house instead of a place to be cared for.

ronib Fri 27-Sept-24 10:05:43

LeCrepescule I hope you have someone to share your thoughts with- it’s definitely not easy trying to help in this situation. You need to look after your well being. If you are your brother’s nominated carer, there should be support for you in the community.

Jaxjacky Fri 27-Sept-24 10:15:33

I know it’s not the same, but my Mum who had dementia was helped, with my involvement, initially with carers and then into a home. This was via adult social services and the mental health team, she too had money and self funding.

lindiann Fri 27-Sept-24 10:17:54

LaCrepescule I have been in the same situation with my Brother. Try the Carers UK Forum and find a Lovely Lady called BowlingBun. She is wonderful and has helped me so much, she knows who to turn too for help flowers

Cossy Fri 27-Sept-24 10:19:07

All the advice here is sound, I just want to wish you luck.

Don’t give up with your (or his) local authority, social services have a duty of care to your brother, irrespective of his financial situation.

pascal30 Fri 27-Sept-24 10:23:49

Given his age and care needs I would think he would need a residential care home.. unless you can find him a rented house and have live-in carers.. you should probably try to get a MH assessment done to backup your Social Service appointment..
because unless your brother makes him homeless I think you're going to have a battle on your hands to get him rehoused..