[ScottGem]

Hmmm, I'm not an expert on medical law, but it seems to me there is a yardstick here. If the patient can be deemed to be a danger to herself or others, then the doctors are duty bound to commit them to a care facility. I do agree that the doctors have to abide by the patient's wishes in releasing their findings, but only if that yardstick is not met. If they do feel there is a danger and they do nothing about it, then they are opening themselves for a malpractice suit.

So, if they are not urging commitment, then their belief is probably that, while there "there are some serious issues here!", she doesn't pose a danger to either herself or others.

My advice to you is to consult an elder care attorney. One familiar with cases like this. They may be able to show you how to force the issue.

[jrussole]

Holz, I will quote you: How would I go about getting her committed or to show her what she is really doing?
If you have concerns about your mother, you can contact social services and report Elder Care Protective Services. Or aka: Senior Protective Services depending up where you live. You can also contact her physician and let him/her know of your concerns. It maybe a matter of pharmaceutical treatment and or if their has been a history of clinical depression it may require medications to be changed. Is she on the drug Digoxin? Digoxin can cause symptoms of depression and or hostility, as well as other symptoms due to toxicity levels that build up in the system.
My professional advice to you would be to consider contacting her physician and letting them know of your concerns. They can also make referrals for a clinical mental health nurse to evaluate her at home. And or refer her for evaluation with a mental health MD.

[Daxzac]

I know the feeling, I think that people don't want to change if they can do anything AT ALL to mess their minds up. Plus, she is already committed. To Dying