Ironically, the day after we receive notice of denial of coverage of services for our son, is the anniversary of his placement at the current facility. It has been one year since we placed David in a facility 500 miles from home.
Today, I am struggling with the stress of not knowing where we are at with my youngest son’s mental health treatment. The denial of continued care is weighing heavily on my mind, and it will be Tuesday before I can file any appeals.
He deserves better than this from the system that is responsible in part for his care. When we adopted him, he was ordered by the court to have complete state sponsored medical coverage until he turns 18. This is Medicaid.
It isn’t safe for anyone for him to come home. Even the staff that works with him day to day has said that. A month ago, he was self-harming. Cutting, and after they took the sharps away from him, he inserted his fingers into the wound on his knee and started pulling on it to make the wound larger. Initially, he wouldn’t have needed stitches. The manic behaviours that he displays, the ceaseless energy – coupled with what changing facilities would do to his treatment plan… now is not the time for change.
As a father, I want to fix it and make it better. I can’t do that, and while it isn’t my fault that the system is broken, I feel like a failure for not providing direct care for him.
Yesterday marks one year since he began his placement in the current facility. The next closest facility that could take him if necessary is 700 miles away from our home, in Denver. Like I said in a previous post, how does moving him further from family help him?
I am not looking for a debate about the ACA. I know what it is and isn’t doing for the people I know. It works for some, and doesn’t work for others.
About a month ago, I wrote a post “It’s not our fault.” I guess I should go and read that one again.
I have this book that I am working through. “Getting Your Joy Back” – I am going to read through parts of it again. Need to find my joy. And know in my heart that we are doing everything that we can for him.
I can’t believe it is already 1 year. Seems like it was just a few months ago when you brought him there. I hope there is a way to find a better place, that is closer. I know you are doing the best for him. I pray ‘the system’ can help in all ways possible to to aid and take care of Marc with you. ((((Hugs)))).