Now this organization is really making a difference

In the last year I've been learning about this not-for-profit organization in Chicago - Thresholds.  The more I learn, the more I am not only impressed but determined to help them expand their services to more people and more areas. 


They help people with mental illnesses by providing case management, psychiatric care, group and individual therapy, housing, education, employment services, individual and family member support, ... and much more.  There is even a high school for kids with mental illnesses.  I mean, wow!  They are just incredible.  They also help vets, single parents, homeless, and even folks who are deaf and have a mental illness. 


So, if you have a loved one with a diagnosis and live in the Cook county area, take advantage of this incredible organization.  And, please consider donating to this great cause.  With tax funding being cut, our individual contributions are needed more than ever.  You can learn more and donate here: www.thresholds.org


Thanks!

Taking a class for those who have a loved one with a diagnosis

I am taking a class right now offered by NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) of DuPage County, where I live.  This is a 12 week course called Family to Family, which is a course for folks who have a loved one with a mental illness diagnosis.  I've been dealing with Mom's mental illness for 45 years but you know, there is still always more to learn in terms of how to be a healthy person myself and to be even more accepting of her.  Week 1 was pretty amazing I will say.  I think I liked most meeting people who like me have/are going through the pain of a loved one who is so sick and so limited in their ability for self-care, and our worry and fear about what that means.  It's a confidential class, so I won't be sharing anything my class mates share.  I'm just glad to be there.


This class will be offered many times this year.  Below is the upcoming schedule in my area for this class as well as other really good ones.


Support is powerful not just for those with a diagnosis but just as much for those of us who love that person.  Glad I continue to get that help.

FAMILY TO FAMILY- 12-week class for adult family members (18+) and others who have adult loved ones (18+) with a mental illness

> Wednesdays, February 10th to April 27th- 7:00PM to 9:30PM- Community Center Room 104

> Tuesdays, March 1st to May 17th- 7:00PM to 9:30PM- Compass Church

> Tuesdays, May 17th to August 2nd- 7:00PM to 9:30PM- Good Samaritan Hospital

BASICS- 6 week course for parents and caregivers who have a child in High School or younger (generally under the age 18) affected by a mental illness

>Thursdays, March 10th to April 21st (Skipping March 31st) 7:00PM to 9:30PM- Community Center- NAMI DuPage Room 120

WRAP- 8 week class for individuals with a mental illness

>Tuesdays, February 2nd to March 22nd 7:00PM to 9:15PM- Community Center- NAMI DuPage Room 106

Sunday Visit Funnies

On Sunday I saw Mom, which these days I do every other Sunday night.  When I go I bring her a McDonald's Quarter Pounder with Cheese, which she eats about 3/4, a small fry, which she eats about half, a dish of ice cream, which she eats completely, and sometimes she wants cookies or an apple pie, too.  She tends to finish all the sweets.  Reminds me of my granddaughter.  You'd practically have to force feed her dinner but when ice cream came around after she would shovel it in like she was starving.  Mom is kind of like a kid in a lot of ways, and I suppose that's part of why I think she is so adorable.


This last visit Mom really gave me a chuckle. Her male nurse came over to give her night meds after mom asked for them. He said, "I thought you wanted these later." She replied, "well you know women. We like to say one thing and do another". Too funny. 

Medical folks like to try to get kids to pay for their disabled parents treatments.

So I got a small bill for my mom’s new glasses, $35.  OK, Mom is on both Medicaid and Medicare so up to now, all of her medical bills were paid by them.  So, why did I get a bill?   She’s had glasses for years and we were never asked to pay for that.  Also, is this just the first bill, will they send more?  More time by me to track that down and figure it out.  Bottom line, I’m not responsible to pay her bills.  She is not my child or my dependent.  I have no legal obligation.  So, I never have and I probably won’t. But Mom can pay it.  She has money she gets from both the government, and my brother and I give her money when she needs it. 

So, this is the fun of having a disabled mother who is poor.  But I’m so glad I have her so it’s really a small price to pay.   More later on this all.