Can my grandmother check herself out of a mental hospital??

Question

My aunt put my grandmother into a mental hospital without telling anyone, my grandmother is not mentally ill, she is just an old lady. She set it to where no males can visit her, my dad is on the way there anyway and will call the law if they dont let him. But legally, can she sign herself out if she does not want to be there? I think she has alzheimers but that is it, she is not insane and she doesnt belong there!! Please answer if you can, thank you.

Answer 1

it depends on how she got there. i know you said your aunt took her there, but was she taken under section? if she is there under section then no, she will not be able to discharge herself. however if she just went with your aunt voluntarily, then yes, she can. she will probably have to be seen by a doctor first but as long as they can see that she will have support at home and that she is not a danger to herself or others then there really shouldn't be a problem.

hope this helps, good luck x

Answer 2

Oh boy, that's a tough one.  I feel for you.  Normally, a doctor would have to diagnose your grandmother and sign admittance papers.  If she has Alzheimer's, it sounds like a nursing home would be more appropriate.  Good luck.

Answer 3

by law yes, she can, although, the doctor can make other arrangements like a nursing home

Answer 4

Sadly, a lot of people would consider your grandmother to be mentally ill. It depends on the judgment call of the psychiatrists in the hospital. Speak to the authorities, if you mention that it was not done with your grandmother's consent, and that she will be well taken care of, it shouldn't be an issue.

Answer 5

My understanding is that your aunt would be required to have two other people in agreement with her in order to commit your grandma.  In my state anyway - one person alone does not have the authority.  It will be up to the doctors there to allow your grandma's release.

I suggest that you and your dad and any other family members fight for her release.  And then find her the right place to be.

Answer 6

Most mental hospitals can only hold you for like 72 hours at the most without some proof of a mental illness or against her will. Her father would have the authority to get her out if nothing shows that she has a mental illness. One thing to know though is Alzheimer's is considered a mental illness, but a mental hospital is NOT the place for her to be. She needs to be in a facility that has a Alzheimer's unit, not a mental hospital.

Answer 7

That depends. If you grandmother checked herself in, then yes she can check herself out. But if your aunt had her Baker Acted in (meaning put in against her will) it will be up to the doctors to release her.