My grieving mother has become severely paranoid and is refusing to let anyone in her house. The local crisis line can't help. What are my options?
Located in Washington County, PA. Revised to avoid certain words.
My mom has been severely unwell since my dad passed away a few months ago. She has developed intense paranoia—she is completely refusing to let anyone into her home, thinks there is toxic mold everywhere, and is terrified that her bills aren’t paid and that the local authorities are coming to take her house away. I am incredibly worried about her health, but because of her paranoia and the threat of her escalating, I do not feel safe going to the house alone to check on her. I am currently in her area keeping my distance for my own safety.
I found out my sibling might already have an open file for her with the local county agency on aging/elder services, but I don't know the full details yet.
I called the local mental health crisis line to coordinate a professional mobile wellness check. I wanted a team trained in de-escalation to go out, handle her panic gently, and evaluate if she needs a hospital assessment. Unfortunately, the crisis line informed me that because she doesn't meet the strict legal definition of being an immediate physical danger to herself or others, they cannot force an evaluation. Furthermore, they are required to notify her ahead of time that they are coming. Because she is paranoid, telling her they are coming means she will just lock the door and escalate, so that plan is stalled.
I am trying to figure out if there are other angles I can leverage to get eyes on her without putting myself in danger. Possibly Elder Protective Services or maybe her primary care doctor?
I am completely exhausted and trying to handle this with a clear head. If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know.