What are you supposed to do when you encounter a mentally ill homeless person who seems to need help?

[Anonymous]

You’ve obviously never dealt with a severely mentally ill person, OP. You just breeze into town one afternoon, having no idea of the back story, and start judging. Do you have any idea how impossible it can be to get help for a person who does not want it? You legally cannot force treatment on someone. Mental health holds are very limited and short term. Unless they commit a crime and are incarcerated, it’s impossible to force someone to even stay housed. You have no idea what efforts have been made in this community. This situation is likely years, even decades, old!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:According to disability rights advocates she’s making a lifestyle choice. As long as she’s not suicidal or homicidal she can’t be committed in most states. Most folks like this are kept in American jails. 10 times as many people with serious mental illness are in jails rather than hospitals today.

Realistically she’d be under court ordered treatment for whatever it is. It’s a huge human tragedy.

I’m not sure how they argued someone not of sound mind is making a lifestyle choice. Awful to hear.

It really doesn't logically make sense but disability rights advocates I suppose fear that involuntary commitment will be worse. They reason some (or most) insane asylums were places where a lot of abuses happened so no one should be forced to take medication or be committed against their will. It is awful to see women in this condition who are so out of it they are probably being repeatedly sexually assaulted on the streets.

So the only thing the disability advocates lobby for is free housing no strings attached and voluntary out patient care. But if you are too mentally ill to realize you need care then how are you supposed to go seek care?

So the answer is you do nothing because nothing ends up being done if anyone actually responds.

The answer here would be to improve mental health facilities and have strict regulations for them. Not allow people to rot on the streets because they’re too mentally ill to access any help.

Strangely enough part of the issue is as someone mentioned disability rights. Under many circumstances those who are mentally ill can refuse help and you can only do forced help for limited time. That person could even have a family who did everything they could legally.

There are an infinite actions between not caring and having a person put in a facility... you know, right?

If we cared we would have them under care, not a mental hospital, where someone helped people we are dysregulated and can't manage normal tasks. We would check on them daily, help them with showers, make sure they take medication, make sure they ate. But that's expensive and not covered by health insurance.

They don't want a nanny. They are adults!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn’t have done anything or called anyone. I would’ve just gone about my day.

Same.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:According to disability rights advocates she’s making a lifestyle choice. As long as she’s not suicidal or homicidal she can’t be committed in most states. Most folks like this are kept in American jails. 10 times as many people with serious mental illness are in jails rather than hospitals today.

Realistically she’d be under court ordered treatment for whatever it is. It’s a huge human tragedy.

I’m not sure how they argued someone not of sound mind is making a lifestyle choice. Awful to hear.

It really doesn't logically make sense but disability rights advocates I suppose fear that involuntary commitment will be worse. They reason some (or most) insane asylums were places where a lot of abuses happened so no one should be forced to take medication or be committed against their will. It is awful to see women in this condition who are so out of it they are probably being repeatedly sexually assaulted on the streets.

So the only thing the disability advocates lobby for is free housing no strings attached and voluntary out patient care. But if you are too mentally ill to realize you need care then how are you supposed to go seek care?

So the answer is you do nothing because nothing ends up being done if anyone actually responds.

The answer here would be to improve mental health facilities and have strict regulations for them. Not allow people to rot on the streets because they’re too mentally ill to access any help.

Strangely enough part of the issue is as someone mentioned disability rights. Under many circumstances those who are mentally ill can refuse help and you can only do forced help for limited time. That person could even have a family who did everything they could legally.

There are an infinite actions between not caring and having a person put in a facility... you know, right?

If we cared we would have them under care, not a mental hospital, where someone helped people we are dysregulated and can't manage normal tasks. We would check on them daily, help them with showers, make sure they take medication, make sure they ate. But that's expensive and not covered by health insurance.

Once again they have rights and can refuse this. There are wealthy families that can afford to do this all out of pocket who still struggle. There are some services available depending on state (at least there were years ago), but again, you cannot force this. They can refuse to open the door when the social worker checks on them. Meds are tricky-you can remind someone to take meds, but you cannot administer unless you are a nurse and they can refuse.

This isn't about mental health professionals not doing their job or hospitals not doing their job. It's about the person refusing care or not being totallly compliant with all aspects of care.

Look into the history. Granting more rights meant we didn't have people locked away sometimes in institutions that are not well regulated. However, the homeless situation then exploded. There are cities that developed very humane programs to help the homeless. So more and more homeless people found a way to travel there. They are now inundated with homeless people they cannot help, many on drugs.

This is an incredibly complex issue. What can a person walking by do if they have the time and want to help and don't feel scared? Offer to buy a healthy nourishing lunch and bring it to them if they consent. If you see worn out shoes, provide a new pair. If you want to get more involved, call your local government and find out how. Donate to and volunteer at homeless shelters.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:According to disability rights advocates she’s making a lifestyle choice. As long as she’s not suicidal or homicidal she can’t be committed in most states. Most folks like this are kept in American jails. 10 times as many people with serious mental illness are in jails rather than hospitals today.

Realistically she’d be under court ordered treatment for whatever it is. It’s a huge human tragedy.

I’m not sure how they argued someone not of sound mind is making a lifestyle choice. Awful to hear.

It really doesn't logically make sense but disability rights advocates I suppose fear that involuntary commitment will be worse. They reason some (or most) insane asylums were places where a lot of abuses happened so no one should be forced to take medication or be committed against their will. It is awful to see women in this condition who are so out of it they are probably being repeatedly sexually assaulted on the streets.

So the only thing the disability advocates lobby for is free housing no strings attached and voluntary out patient care. But if you are too mentally ill to realize you need care then how are you supposed to go seek care?

So the answer is you do nothing because nothing ends up being done if anyone actually responds.

The answer here would be to improve mental health facilities and have strict regulations for them. Not allow people to rot on the streets because they’re too mentally ill to access any help.

Strangely enough part of the issue is as someone mentioned disability rights. Under many circumstances those who are mentally ill can refuse help and you can only do forced help for limited time. That person could even have a family who did everything they could legally.

There are an infinite actions between not caring and having a person put in a facility... you know, right?

If we cared we would have them under care, not a mental hospital, where someone helped people we are dysregulated and can't manage normal tasks. We would check on them daily, help them with showers, make sure they take medication, make sure they ate. But that's expensive and not covered by health insurance.

Posting again to say they have the right to refuse to allow anyone to know their medical issues and refuse any care you offer. I encourage you to get involved with your local homeless shelter to start to learn about these issues. You sould well-meaning, but incredibly naive about the reality and how this works legally.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:According to disability rights advocates she’s making a lifestyle choice. As long as she’s not suicidal or homicidal she can’t be committed in most states. Most folks like this are kept in American jails. 10 times as many people with serious mental illness are in jails rather than hospitals today.

Realistically she’d be under court ordered treatment for whatever it is. It’s a huge human tragedy.

I’m not sure how they argued someone not of sound mind is making a lifestyle choice. Awful to hear.

Because, a lot of people with mental health issues refuse medication saying they don’t need it and they are fine.
You can’t forcefully medicate them so it seems the compromise is unless they are danger to others or themselves you leave them alone.

While others are willing to take their medication, but they forget, get confused about their health plans, don’t know how to manage their prescription plans. With a little bit of help, they would take their medication.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:According to disability rights advocates she’s making a lifestyle choice. As long as she’s not suicidal or homicidal she can’t be committed in most states. Most folks like this are kept in American jails. 10 times as many people with serious mental illness are in jails rather than hospitals today.

Realistically she’d be under court ordered treatment for whatever it is. It’s a huge human tragedy.

I’m not sure how they argued someone not of sound mind is making a lifestyle choice. Awful to hear.

It really doesn't logically make sense but disability rights advocates I suppose fear that involuntary commitment will be worse. They reason some (or most) insane asylums were places where a lot of abuses happened so no one should be forced to take medication or be committed against their will. It is awful to see women in this condition who are so out of it they are probably being repeatedly sexually assaulted on the streets.

So the only thing the disability advocates lobby for is free housing no strings attached and voluntary out patient care. But if you are too mentally ill to realize you need care then how are you supposed to go seek care?

So the answer is you do nothing because nothing ends up being done if anyone actually responds.

The answer here would be to improve mental health facilities and have strict regulations for them. Not allow people to rot on the streets because they’re too mentally ill to access any help.

Strangely enough part of the issue is as someone mentioned disability rights. Under many circumstances those who are mentally ill can refuse help and you can only do forced help for limited time. That person could even have a family who did everything they could legally.

There are an infinite actions between not caring and having a person put in a facility... you know, right?

If we cared we would have them under care, not a mental hospital, where someone helped people we are dysregulated and can't manage normal tasks. We would check on them daily, help them with showers, make sure they take medication, make sure they ate. But that's expensive and not covered by health insurance.

Posting again to say they have the right to refuse to allow anyone to know their medical issues and refuse any care you offer. I encourage you to get involved with your local homeless shelter to start to learn about these issues. You sould well-meaning, but incredibly naive about the reality and how this works legally.

I already do and I’m not incredibly naïve about realities.

You talk about the homeless people, but many of them have homes. Especially the vets. They have homes and families and healthcare. But they can be disorganized, lose their prescription, lose track of when they received their checks and if they got deposited correctly, where to pick up their medication.

There’s a podcast called fixable where they did a study in three cities to stop homelessness among vets. It’s not that there is a solution. It’s just that we don’t want to implement it.

I’m not saying 100% of people are going to accept care. But a large percentage will.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:According to disability rights advocates she’s making a lifestyle choice. As long as she’s not suicidal or homicidal she can’t be committed in most states. Most folks like this are kept in American jails. 10 times as many people with serious mental illness are in jails rather than hospitals today.

Realistically she’d be under court ordered treatment for whatever it is. It’s a huge human tragedy.

I’m not sure how they argued someone not of sound mind is making a lifestyle choice. Awful to hear.

It really doesn't logically make sense but disability rights advocates I suppose fear that involuntary commitment will be worse. They reason some (or most) insane asylums were places where a lot of abuses happened so no one should be forced to take medication or be committed against their will. It is awful to see women in this condition who are so out of it they are probably being repeatedly sexually assaulted on the streets.

So the only thing the disability advocates lobby for is free housing no strings attached and voluntary out patient care. But if you are too mentally ill to realize you need care then how are you supposed to go seek care?

So the answer is you do nothing because nothing ends up being done if anyone actually responds.

The answer here would be to improve mental health facilities and have strict regulations for them. Not allow people to rot on the streets because they’re too mentally ill to access any help.

Strangely enough part of the issue is as someone mentioned disability rights. Under many circumstances those who are mentally ill can refuse help and you can only do forced help for limited time. That person could even have a family who did everything they could legally.

There are an infinite actions between not caring and having a person put in a facility... you know, right?

If we cared we would have them under care, not a mental hospital, where someone helped people we are dysregulated and can't manage normal tasks. We would check on them daily, help them with showers, make sure they take medication, make sure they ate. But that's expensive and not covered by health insurance.

Once again they have rights and can refuse this. There are wealthy families that can afford to do this all out of pocket who still struggle. There are some services available depending on state (at least there were years ago), but again, you cannot force this. They can refuse to open the door when the social worker checks on them. Meds are tricky-you can remind someone to take meds, but you cannot administer unless you are a nurse and they can refuse.

This isn't about mental health professionals not doing their job or hospitals not doing their job. It's about the person refusing care or not being totallly compliant with all aspects of care.

Look into the history. Granting more rights meant we didn't have people locked away sometimes in institutions that are not well regulated. However, the homeless situation then exploded. There are cities that developed very humane programs to help the homeless. So more and more homeless people found a way to travel there. They are now inundated with homeless people they cannot help, many on drugs.

This is an incredibly complex issue. What can a person walking by do if they have the time and want to help and don't feel scared? Offer to buy a healthy nourishing lunch and bring it to them if they consent. If you see worn out shoes, provide a new pair. If you want to get more involved, call your local government and find out how. Donate to and volunteer at homeless shelters.

Your assumption is that 100% of these people are refusing care and that is absolutely not true. There is a small percentage that will refuse care.

I’m also not blaming hospitals or mental health providers. I’m completely aware that a nurse has to administer the drug drugs, but many of these people are able to administer their own drugs if they’re reminded.

Also, especially with schizophrenia, there’s disorganization of the mind and it’s very hard to keep track of everything and often you just need somebody to help.

A drug addict might refuse care for a whole year and then one day one care they have no place to go for it and it’s extremely expensive.

[Anonymous]

OP you did the right thing. Even most disability rights advocates would agree that someone in such an extreme situation (naked in the cold) should be brought to a hospital for treatment. The hospital ER staff probsbly already knows her — most likely she would be treated and then released and perhaps can get to a more stable place or perhaps not. The people saying you do nothing are heartless. It may be that once stabilized this woman is able to have a period of relative normalcy.
Also, it’s entirely possible that this woman was naked and muddy she had just been raped and assaulted and that she was screaming by the road because she needed help.

I have a harder time knowing what to do about the people I see in DC that are unconscious on a park bench or are visibly ill. They may just be sleeping or the ill may be their baseline. Or maybe they are in the middle of a heart attack or OD and need medical assistance—it’s impossible to know. The upside is that in DC, there are usually at least a few homeless people that are in the same area, so I usually figure that the others there probably know that persons baseline better than I do and might know when it’s important to call for medical help. I feel terrible just sort of stepping past them, but calling 911 on every unconscious person on the street doesn’t seem practical.

[Anonymous]

The government used to provide more services for mentally disabled people. Reagan eliminated it. That was a huge mistake. We have more mentally ill people in need now than ever.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The government used to provide more services for mentally disabled people. Reagan eliminated it. That was a huge mistake. We have more mentally ill people in need now than ever.

Men were using the system to lock up their wives for hysteria. Is that what you want? Men locking up women that don't agree with them?

[Anonymous]

I still want to know who responded when OP called 911 since podunk police don’t work after 5pm and fire/rescue said they could’t help her. I’m on the edge of my seat waiting with bated breath(pun intended).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As it was Sunday in this podunk town the local police dept wouldn’t answer.

Sure. That’s not how police departments work. People here are so weird. Why make something like this up?

Of course it is. You can get in contact with a police department any day of the week in a large city. A small one will be closed.

Police departments are 24/7

911 is 24/7 but small police departments often close on weekends and after 5pm.

In this situation that’s when county police or state police show up. It doesn’t mean it’s 911 or nothing.
Having said that, OP you did the right thing calling 911 if that’s what you were told to do. Police would then respond and do a welfare check. They will either determine the person is in need of assistance and force a hospital visit ( certain criteria need to be met) or they would determine she’s ok to be left.
It’s sad.

[Anonymous]

Just ignore them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:According to disability rights advocates she’s making a lifestyle choice. As long as she’s not suicidal or homicidal she can’t be committed in most states. Most folks like this are kept in American jails. 10 times as many people with serious mental illness are in jails rather than hospitals today.

Realistically she’d be under court ordered treatment for whatever it is. It’s a huge human tragedy.

I’m not sure how they argued someone not of sound mind is making a lifestyle choice. Awful to hear.

It really doesn't logically make sense but disability rights advocates I suppose fear that involuntary commitment will be worse. They reason some (or most) insane asylums were places where a lot of abuses happened so no one should be forced to take medication or be committed against their will. It is awful to see women in this condition who are so out of it they are probably being repeatedly sexually assaulted on the streets.

So the only thing the disability advocates lobby for is free housing no strings attached and voluntary out patient care. But if you are too mentally ill to realize you need care then how are you supposed to go seek care?

So the answer is you do nothing because nothing ends up being done if anyone actually responds.

The answer here would be to improve mental health facilities and have strict regulations for them. Not allow people to rot on the streets because they’re too mentally ill to access any help.

Strangely enough part of the issue is as someone mentioned disability rights. Under many circumstances those who are mentally ill can refuse help and you can only do forced help for limited time. That person could even have a family who did everything they could legally.

There are an infinite actions between not caring and having a person put in a facility... you know, right?

If we cared we would have them under care, not a mental hospital, where someone helped people we are dysregulated and can't manage normal tasks. We would check on them daily, help them with showers, make sure they take medication, make sure they ate. But that's expensive and not covered by health insurance.

Once again they have rights and can refuse this. There are wealthy families that can afford to do this all out of pocket who still struggle. There are some services available depending on state (at least there were years ago), but again, you cannot force this. They can refuse to open the door when the social worker checks on them. Meds are tricky-you can remind someone to take meds, but you cannot administer unless you are a nurse and they can refuse.

This isn't about mental health professionals not doing their job or hospitals not doing their job. It's about the person refusing care or not being totallly compliant with all aspects of care.

Look into the history. Granting more rights meant we didn't have people locked away sometimes in institutions that are not well regulated. However, the homeless situation then exploded. There are cities that developed very humane programs to help the homeless. So more and more homeless people found a way to travel there. They are now inundated with homeless people they cannot help, many on drugs.

This is an incredibly complex issue. What can a person walking by do if they have the time and want to help and don't feel scared? Offer to buy a healthy nourishing lunch and bring it to them if they consent. If you see worn out shoes, provide a new pair. If you want to get more involved, call your local government and find out how. Donate to and volunteer at homeless shelters.

Your assumption is that 100% of these people are refusing care and that is absolutely not true. There is a small percentage that will refuse care.

I’m also not blaming hospitals or mental health providers. I’m completely aware that a nurse has to administer the drug drugs, but many of these people are able to administer their own drugs if they’re reminded.

Also, especially with schizophrenia, there’s disorganization of the mind and it’s very hard to keep track of everything and often you just need somebody to help.

A drug addict might refuse care for a whole year and then one day one care they have no place to go for it and it’s extremely expensive.

Most have cellphones from what I have seen. They could easily set a reminder for medications. We don't need to hire someone to follow them around reminding them.