Is it against the law for me to leave my bedridden mother alone for a short time?

@mom2mom; For years I paid for Lifefone(as I do for my 90 year old Aunt), but cancelled it when Dr said Mom needed 24/7 care. I called Hospice to inquire re:part time/respite care for our CG's, & they said they do provide a volunteer sitter(I'm still learning more about Hospice & the services they provide since Mom was placed on it 2 .5 mths ago). I will use it, BUT if I hear anymore b^&hing, I will definitely heed BarbBrooklyn advice.

My niece came to take care of her elderly, failing Gramma. She went down the street to pick up a pizza. Her gramma fell in the bathroom and died within that short period of time. She was not arrested! If we are providing the best care possible ther is no intent of malpractice. My mom is presently 92 and restricted to being cared for at her home and in her bed. We cannot get the help we need through Medicare and she hasn't qualified for Medicade. We try not to leave her alone. Have hired an aide at our own expense. Family members are not always reliable. We are doing the best that we can.

My aunt is 92 years old and requires 24 hour care. We are paying the caregivers (through a reputable agency) in the home yet we are finding that they are leaving her home alone for 15 minutes while they run to the store or pick up medication for her. I have complained and it continues to happen.
I have told the caregivers to call us yet they don't. I have also instructed the caregivers not to leave her alone and yet they do.
My suggestion to the person above is to find Elder daycare or hire someone. Universities that have nursing schools possibly could help. It is too risky to leave them by themselves.

Caregivers need not to feel like a prisoner in their own home, taking full care of there bed ridden family member. Fact is, we do it all, yes its great IF your able to a ford extra help, most of us can not, so we do the best we can. No its not agent the law- Hospice requirements that yes 24/7 care, But in Reality they know we need to leave to get food, medicine, our own needs so we can keep our head together. Its very scary and no one wants to risk anything or wonder what If, the "What Ifs" will always hold Any one back, us care givers ARE NOT selfish or going out hour on end! Especially If your the only caregiver of course you can do that, who esle all,no one. We do what we can and what is right. Good luck. Always do research on all that you question and always be the best advocate for your mom. Always question everything and look it up. This was 6 years ago you posted this, I truly hope your ok and all, I'm trying to learn all I can, for my grandmother is at home with me (always will be) on hospice care and its very sad how they treat the elderly. I hope everything worked out for you and your well.

Let's be realistic here. I doubt a blazing fire will break out or the roof will cave in if your mother is let alone for a half hour. I've also never known of a case where anyone was prosecuted for leaving there parent alone and some tragedy happened. We can worry about all the "what ifs," but that does nothing but drive you crazy when it doesn't have to.

I'm also amazed some telling you to put your mom in an assisted care. Let me ask you, would your mom rather see your face, in her own surroundings, being at home with you where there's love? Or would she rather be in a facility with strange faces and unfamiliar surrounding with not knowing what kind of care she's receiving?

If you feel you can leave your mother alone for a short period of time, only you can make that decision and don't accept guilt trips from some of the posters here. Live your life in a reasonable way in the real world, you would have your mom's blessing.

Take care.