How to Protect the Mentally Disabled Living in Your Own Home in the State of New York

Mental disability is a disorder that causes substantial interference with the ability to handle basic living skills; these include eating, bathing and prudent management of money. People with mental disabilities can be successfully managed at home. The Americans with Disabilities Act accords equal opportunity for persons with disabilities. In New York the Division of Mental Hygiene offers a wide range of services to residents who house people with developmental disabilities in the community.

Instructions

• 1

  Enlist for the Home Care services offered under DMH to persons who have family members living at home with developmental disabilities. The division provides support on addressing behavioral activities of daily living issues and concerns. Counselling and information referral programs are also conducted to equip individuals who are caring for people with mental disability.

• 2

  Obtain guardianship. Providing guardianship is a protective arrangement established by the court system on behalf of a mentally incapacitated individual. You can obtain guardianship by petitioning with the Superior Court of New York. Upon successful petition, obtain the letters of Guardianship. Acquire a bond, which ensures against potential mismanagement or abuse of the mentally handicapped individual's assets.

• 3

  Listen and pay keen attention to the overall well-being of the ailing individual, according to psychologist Dr. John Grohol. Offering a listening ear to the individual suffering from mental anguish helps in recovery. Provide emotional support and temper opinions to accommodate the vulnerable person. Be objective and avoid judgmental opinions and always be a good listener. The Office of Mental Health, New York State provides support services to residents living with mental patients.

• 4

  Engage the individual in social activities to prevent him from further drifting into a depression. A walk in the park or a specially prepared meal may improve the suffering person's self-esteem. Accord the patient the same treatment as all other members of the household and avoid undue pressures for normalcy. Involve the mental patient in communal chores, which can distract them from thoughts arising from their condition, particularly those with antisocial personality disorders.

• 5

  Avoid confining mentally ill people in institutions or at home, as this is counterproductive. Effective drugs have been developed, and there has been a change in societal attitude about the mentally ill. The family doctor plays an important role in the rehabilitation of the patient. In New York, the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill supplements a support system for family members of people who have mental disability.