Caregiver Resources
The challenge of having a loved one with a mental illness or substance abuse problem can feel overwhelming. Often, individuals
with these disorders don’t recognize them as problematic or may believe that others are to blame for their problems. The search
for answers regarding how to recognize and what to do in these situations is frequently confusing and exhausting. One family
member described it as “the never-ending valley of fatigue.”
Approaches to engaging an individual in treatment depend on many factors. One factor that does not vary is dangerousness.
If you ever believe that you or your loved one’s life or safety is in jeopardy, do not hesitate to seek help from an outside
source. Contact a local emergency hotline or dial “911” for police assistance.
Belmont's staff is here to help
The staff at Belmont encourages you to take full advantage of your family, friends and natural support systems. We would also
like you to know that there are many others who have or are going through the same struggles you are experiencing. Family
support groups do much more than vent to each other. Through common experiences, they are able to share strategies of what
has worked and what has not worked for them and offer encouragement and hope to each other. There are also classes available
to you through mental health agencies where you can get information about symptoms, treatment and strategies for coping and
taking care of you and your family during periods of stress.
Many people find that meeting individually with a mental health professional can also be helpful in resolving the many feelings
of anxiety, guilt, anger and sadness that are normal and commonly experienced by family members and caretakers. Although your
loved one is your first priority, you will not be able to provide that care if you do not take care of yourself, first. If
your loved one is receiving treatment at Belmont, we encourage you to contact us. The information and background that families
provide is invaluable. Staff at Belmont understand the importance of family support to our patients and wish to engage you
in the treatment experience to the fullest extent possible.
Mental Health Declaration
You may also want to discuss preparing a Mental Health Declaration and Mental Health Power of Attorney with your loved one (find PDF forms below). These documents allow adults to consent to, or refuse, various treatments for
mental health care in advance of their need for that treatment, in case their mental illness makes them incapable of making
decisions at a later date. Through a Mental Health Powers of Attorney a person may appoint someone to make treatment decisions
for them.
Resource Center
In addition, Belmont has established the Freda Kraftskow Sachs Family Resource Center located at Belmont Center for Comprehensive
treatment. This center has many resources that provide guidance and information about dealing with behavioral health issues.
Freda Krafskow Sachs Family Resource Center
Belmont Center for Comprehensive Treatment
4200 Monument Road
Philadelphia, PA 19131
For questions about the Freda Krafskow Sachs Family Resource Center, contact Nancy Beck at 215-581-3818.
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Mental Health Advanced Directive
(File size: 198kB) This documents allows you to consent to, or refuse, various treatments for mental health care in advance of the need for that
treatment.  The documents presented here require the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software to view. Click on the icon to go to the Adobe
Acrobat download page.
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Mental Health Power of Attorney
(File size: 296kB) Mental Health Power of Attorney enables a person to appoint someone to make treatment decisions for them.
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