Support for brother with schizophrenia

[Charlie82]

Hello,

My oldest brother (diagnosed with schizophrenia) is living with my elderly parents (80 and 82). My mum had a fall this year and is no longer able to use her arm and my dad is diabetic and having issues with nerve pain in his feet. Basically, they are getting older and need help caring for my brother. Their GP has said he can't do anything to help, and my brother needs to see a psychiatrist, but he won't go.

I was over yesterday helping my parents fill out a carers strain index form yesterday as part of report an OT is doing on him to try get NDIS and I noticed he was wandering around muttering to himself. He was not aggressive and stopped when I asked him who he was talking to. This has been going on for months. I feel uncomfortable knowing my parents are in a house with my brother and his mental health might not be the greatest right now and they are unable to do anything.

Can anyone give advice on what we can do? 

[Ru-bee]

Hi @Charlie82 

Welcome to the forums.

It can be so difficult when our loved ones might be needing more support, but aren't wanting or able to engage with it. As I'm sure you've experienced with your brother here, we can't make adults accept treatment, even if it will likely help them.

It sounds like working towards getting some NDIS support is a great step that you're already taking in getting him some more support though. How much support is he currently receiving from your parents? Are there any other family or friends who could being to help while you're going through the NDIS application process? 

It's also important to be seeking your own support as a carer. Carer Gateway offers support and counselling for carers and might be something that your parents or yourself might like to look into