Between juggling kids’ schedules and a full-time job, I just couldn’t find time to write. I thought about it as first the holidays passed, and then his birthday. I thought about it when I read about Mr. Holmes in CO, and then the CT incident because there were a myriad of articles and analyses about … Continue reading »
Anatomical Basis of Anosognosia – a review of the literature
Interesting information on anosognia (lack of awareness of illness common in schizophrenia and dementia patients). Unfortunately, we’re a long way from specific treatment for this. The Anatomical Basis of Anosognosia – Backgrounder – Treatment Advocacy Center.
Forcing medical treatment for severely mentally ill
I saw Brandon recently. I prefer to visit him in the state hospital rather than in jail. In jails, most visitations are conducted in separate rooms through closed circuit TV. Also, when he’s not on medication (which is usually the case in jail), it’s never a pleasant visit. He also tends to remain at the state … Continue reading »
Emergency Meds v. physical restraints
Last I wrote, there was a question about whether the state hospital placed Brandon in restraints due to hitting himself in the head. This kind of behavior would normally have been cause for a judge to order Brandon on emergency medication. When I called to find out what was going on, upper management expressed concern about the discrepancy and … Continue reading »
Restraints at the state hospital?
It’s been awhile since I’ve written. As usual, things with Brandon never get busy when I’m relaxing at home with nothing to do. The state hospital admitted Brandon several weeks ago as scheduled. Part of my dilemma in writing this book is where to end it. Do I include the most recent sagas while working on the … Continue reading »
4th State Hospitalization
Huzzah! The judge accepted the state hospital‘s recommendation that Brandon is incompetent. I wonder how often the judge rejects an incompetency recommendation. If anyone knows, I’d be interested to hear. Now we wait until a bed opens at the state hospital. This will be Brandon’s 4th state hospitalization. I’m hoping things will be different since … Continue reading »
Sending homeless to Atlantic City
Stabbings draw attention to Atlantic City’s other visitors – homeless. The title of the Inquirer’s article read “Sending homeless to AC.” I remember reading an article on the same subject about 15 years ago. Not much has changed. People have suggested to Brandon that he go to different cities, and one gave him a bus … Continue reading »
Talking to a mentally ill relative – lack of back-up plans
I’m up to 18,000 words on my book (about 60 Word pages). It’s been rainy these past few days and perfect writing weather. I remembered the following conversation I had with Brandon the day after he was found, weeks after disappearing the first time. A well-meaning local church called after he slept on their pew for a few nights. … Continue reading »
Opinion: Rabbinical Couple’s Special Food ‘Fight’ | The Jewish Exponent
Opinion: Rabbinical Couple’s Special Food ‘Fight’ | The Jewish Exponent. The Jewish Exponent has been running a series of articles about the food stamp challenge in Philly. This article caught my eye — it was nice to see someone start out with one opinion and then have an experience that causes them to “get it.” … Continue reading »
One step at a time – an opinion of incompetence
Each time Brandon goes to jail, I forget how long the process takes. He was arrested about Jan 23. The state hospital sent someone to evaluate him last week and gave the opinion that he’s incompetent. Now, the judge decides if he agrees. His court date isn’t until the end of May. Luckily, the public … Continue reading »
