When medical help is ineffective, what about behavioral health services?
I've been reading in materials from my dad's insurance about behavioural health services -- counseling and, in some cases, medical services -- available to members of that insurance. The materials include a contact phone number, for a unified intake setup where the feasibility of particular services can be discussed with qualified evaluators. Some of the services are rather close to dad's house, while others require noticeable travel. Unless medical services are needed, there is often no cost nor is a referral or authorization needed from a primary-care provider.
I brought this up because enough of dad's issues can't really be solved by either his primary MDs nor the specialists he visits periodically. If he puts his mind to it, and does something he considers useful / productive, like trying to get a handle on the clutter on his desk (usually filled with bills / insurance statements / etc), he doesn't experience pain, coughing, or other symptoms while he's doing that.
I'm beginning to wonder if the right counselor, although he / she would have to come to the house even if their office might be close by, can't endeavour to help dad motivate himself, or at least conclusively determine if he really is, as he's contended since we lost mother in 2015, that close to a much-worse health event.
The difference with me is, back in the 1990s, dad allegedly signed a document, kept on file with his primary MD and her associates, where he elected, in accordance with the federal law intended to protect health care-related personal information*, to keep his information private from everyone except my oldest brother (he even asked that my since-departed mother not be allowed to access it)
[*Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996]
I'm obviously concerned that if I approach the insurance's contact number for these behavioural services, they could still notify his primary MD's practice, who -could- object to the involvement and notify my brother, who, let it be said, has =vowed to make life very miserable for me if I in any way get involved too deeply in dad's care.=
Does anyone have experience dealing with these behavioural services and their intake numbers? If I convince them to send someone to visit dad and at least evaluate his situation, especially if it won't prove that additional medicine would be needed, is that worth the risk of a possible wrath from my family?
Thanks.
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Sometime ago when I was particularly interested in music therapy, I did some research and found a forum on music therapy. Posters were involved in various projects at AL, IL, and/or rehab. Some even provided music therapy in prisons. Some of the discussions were on the best kinds of music to play. It was quite interesting.
I've also seen a program, on PBS, I believe, of application of art therapy to persons with dementia. The participants were totally absorbed in their art projects.
And the PAWS and other pet programs are well known to provide comfort and reach patients who might otherwise not be responsive.
I get the impression though that the services you're referring to are a bit more formal and structured.
But you can create your own therapy at home...perhaps have a music session in the morning, afternoon, evening, or whenever it seems appropriate. I used to encourage neighbors to stop by when they walked their dogs. Dad always loves to visit with the local canine population.
I also take my father to free concerts, especially lively, foot stomping fiddling music. One time there were 3 people in wheelchairs at the open air concert, brought by their families. You should have seen the grins on their faces!
Children love the music and get up and dance spontaneously. There's so much of a positive atmosphere that it's one of the best therapeutic activities in which we've participated.