My mother was diagnosed with toxic metabolic encephalopathy which causes temporary dementia symptoms and muscle weakness, and was sent for 3 months of rehabilitation in a skilled nursing facility. I was to take over her care. I found out my brother had been financially exploiting her while she was in his care and I said I was going to expose him to authorities. Suddenly, he had POA of Health and wont let me care for her nor lets her get the care she needs. She can’t leave the floor she’s on, she’s heavily sedated to the point that she can’t eat. When sedation is wearing off she’s fine and says the meds make her weak, tired, and forgetful. Her health has declined extremely since her extended stay (6 mos) and it’s both him and the nursing home (while he still uses her money of course). Her supposed diagnosis is Parkinson’s and Dementia (his diagnosis) and the hospital had sent her for more testing which he doesn’t allow. I’ve reported to adult protect services, Medicare fraud, dept of public health, petitioned for guardianship (denied without drs evaluation). Nursing home said they will cancel the ambulance if I call. I complain about her conditions all the time (rashes, allergies, starving, dehydrated) even to the social worker and all they say is that my brother has POA and he denies everything which is convenient for them to just have her sedated not to care for her. She belongs in my care, I know more about her health and I actually care. I tried to nicely talk to him and he insulted me and said she needs to stay there basically as if out of spite and leverage over taking all her life savings and SSI checks. He also recently had a stroke and can’t even take care of himself nor does he even go see her. I have to go and feed her purées and nutritional supplemental drinks to keep her alive till I can get her out of this dirty neglectful place. I’m tempted to just remove her myself and face the consequences or get her to either sign to revoke POA or assign me, but it’s a tricky situation. I can’t seem to find any legal advice or even an affordable attorney who has space for a family law case. Advice needed!
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You say you cannot afford an attorney to make application to be her guardian.
Your claim that the Rehab center is in collusion with your brother makes your story here somewhat questionable.
You do not say what the outcome was of Adult Protective Services claim of financial fraud and neglect?
It is time to step away now, before you are visited with a stay-away order by the courts and have your visitation rights removed by restraining order. You are considering illegal actions now that can result in your being prosecuted and jailed. It is time to understand that you cannot control everything. It is time to understand that your choices now are down to:
1. Assisting brother in the care of your mother and providing supportive and loving visits without rancor and dissention
2. Stepping away and staying out of the situation entirely.
state are you in? If you go to your local senior sites for your city there will be a list of services. There is also an office for the aging. Visit the Elder Care Locator website and Call 1-800-677-1116.
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