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Brother living with parents
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Ok. My younger brother (51) lives with my parents (84 & 87). Pays no rent and does not contribute consistently to the basics of living in a house. He’s abusive towards all of us, refuses to go on Centrelink, rather expecting the family to support him (Mum & Dad on pension and me full time job). The police have been involved, as well as social workers. We have some limited support for Mum & Dad now, but we are at a loss with my brother. He has some sort of mental health issue/s which are not properly managed. He is not interested in accepting help. He demands money daily, ranging from small amounts to hundreds of dollars. He will not accept it when we say, there is either not enough money or no money to give him. He has daily temper tantrums (big ones). I am doing my best to provide support to Mum & Dad, while balancing full time work. I am at a loss how I can change this situation. I’m exhausted and stressed.
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Hello and welcome to the forum.
I can well understand why you are exhausted and stressed, as the situation with your brother is very challenging and complex.
I’m wondering what your parents want to happen? Do they want him removed from their home now? What do you want to happen? Have your parents ever shared their thoughts with you on what they see happening for your brother when they are no longer here or unable to care for him?
I know of a family that was in a very similar situation and there was never any long term plan. Their son, Rob, was also in his fifties, had lived at home all his life and also had an undisclosed or undiagnosed mental health condition.
The mother passed away and the father went to a nursing home (the mother had been keeping the whole family going for a long time). The house was sold by their other son (my friend was married to this man) and Rob was put out on the street with his share of the inheritance.
Saying it was terribly difficult for everyone involved is an understatement.
There is no easy solution for you now or down the track, but I’d encourage you to have some honest discussions with your parents now.
I also think that it’s really important that you look after yourself. You can’t help your family if you’re unwell. Try to eat well, get some daily exercise and keep good sleep habits. Make time for yourself each day to do something you enjoy to ensure there’s some balance in your life. I say this as a person who has cared for someone with a mental health condition for over a decade.
Please don’t feel any pressure to answer my questions, just share want you feel comfortable with. But I am here for you if you want to talk.
Kind thoughts to you
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