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Family member with Epilepsy
Wed, 03/25/2020 - 07:39Topic: Men With Epilepsy
So let me start out by saying that I love my brother in law; he is a good person but has chronic Epilepsy. I would not be coming to this forum if us, as a family didn't need the help. Emotionally I feel terrible for reaching out because I feel like this would hurt him. But his brother and I have seen the affects that it has been causing his mother (primary care giver) and the quality of life that she has. She has been punched- kicked- screamed at- broken down by him and his epilepsy. He cannot be alone - so that makes somebody always have to be at the house with him. Its starting to be a burden when we want to do something and he is not able to go( so simple as running to the grocery store). His brother, myself, mother, and cousin now believe it is time for some intervention... but that is where I need the help . What kind of intervention? as he will not do for himself.. He doesn't eat correctly, basic hygiene is a negative, and it just a terrible situation..... We need help. He does not drive - not able to have a drivers license. He is not able to hold a job in which would help him do something for himself. Where do we go from here? How do we go about helping somebody who wont help themselves? At what point do we just stop and try to find a place for him with other people like him? I have tons of questions, but I just don't know anymore
Hi, Thank you for posting. It
Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 2020-03-25 - 09:01
Hi, Thank you for posting. It sounds like you all have been through a lot and we understand this must be very challenging and know you want what is best for your brother in law and your family. Communicating openly and honestly with him (if he’s receptive to this) about your concerns is important, which it sounds like you’ve tried to do. It may be helpful for him just to know that you’re willing to continue and try to help and to be supportive as possible. Posting in our forums like you’ve done or talking with others via our online chat room are also great resources for finding support as well. https://www.epilepsy.com/connect/chat . Additionally, you may want to explore getting help around the home, so that his mother and other family members can take a break from the daily routine of caregiving. For assistance getting connected with home care, please contact your local Epilepsy Foundation https://www.epilepsy.com/affiliates ,or speak with his healthcare team who can help connect you all with additional resources and support. You may always contact our 24/7 Helpline, where trained information specialists are available to answer your questions, offer help, hope, support, guidance, and access to national and local resources. 1-800-332-1000, or contactus@efa.org. epilepsy.com/helpline