Should our Loved One with SMI Live With Us?

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Welcome to this episode, where we explore a deeply personal and often complex topic: the choice to have relatives with severe mental illness live at home with family.

Joined by listener guests, we dive into the emotional, practical, and ethical aspects of this decision.

Is home the best place for healing and connection, or do the demands overwhelm family dynamics? How do caregivers balance compassion with self-care? And what role should professional support play? 

You’ll hear heartfelt stories, honest discussions of the challenges, and perspectives on what works—or doesn’t. Tune in for an insightful conversation about navigating this delicate choice.

Insights and Learnings from the chat:

• You have a right to feel SAFE in your own home
• Be clear on your boundaries and be prepared to follow through
• Each US state has different services and laws
• The decision is heartbreaking
• Learn all you can
• Ask for help and info
• Share this podcast with people you know need it
• It is always helpful to hear other stories
• Act while the loved one is in the hospital
•  Case manager does need to do their part - let them, partner with them
• Get it in writing. Have a written contract with your loved one which includes consequences for the main what ifs and each of you—parent, loved one, case manager keep a copy.

SZ 3 Moms episodes referenced:

#6: Conservatorship

#14: NAMI Family-to-Family

#18: Rethinking Clozapine

#27: I am Not sick, I Don’t Need Help (anosognosia)

#30: Clubhouse International

#36: Difficult Mothering (Judith R Smith)

#43: Family Support Services

#50: SSI/SSDI

#99: Pooled Trusts

#105: Housing

Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/

Randye and her book: https://www.randyekaye.com/

Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/

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Randye Kaye
Mindy Greiling
Miriam (Mimi) Feldman