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This is suicidal behavior, so they will likely take her in for evaluation. Talk to her doctor, he may tell you to cal 911. At minimum she is likely dehydrated which gets her a stay at the hospital. It may not solve anything, but you can only do what you can do,
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@ emjo,
you can lead a horse to water but have you ever tried to drown one?
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I agree with the advice to keep a log. I'd also get a videotape of your mom where you ask her questions about her refusal to eat and take her medication. And ask her the same questions the paramedics ask her, to show that she's with it. What year it is, who is the president, what day it is. And let her doc know what is happening. If your mom doesn't have dementia, then I think you've done what you can. And I also agree with the advice to come here to get support. What you're going through would be hard on anyone!
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.This is so difficult. I think keeping a written, or oral (recorded on some device) account of your daily attempts to feed her and help her - like calling an ambulance - is a good idea, even if only for your peace of mind. Make sure her doctor and/or other professionals know what is happening. The personnel who came with the ambulance will have a record of her responses. I agree that the aunts are speaking out of grief. I think a home visit from APS, or a social worker is a good idea. You might ask the aunts to be there at the time, so they better understand what is happening.

Looking for someone to help you through this is also a good idea, and further evidence to a professional that you are doing what you can. Meanwhile you can get support here. Please do come back and let us know how you are doing. Seeing a loved one make choices that are not in their own best interests is always very hard. You can lead a horse to water, but... ((((((((((((hugs))))))))).
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i called the rubber truck one night when mom was having a phsyc episode. of course she refused help but somehow the law permitted the medics to take her against her will. im glad because a shot of haldol settled her right down.
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I'm sorry.. I would call her POA let them know what is happening and let the POA know the sister are claiming neglect.
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You're doing all the right things. If your mother is of sound mind, she has the right to refuse medical treatment and the right to refuse food. If you are ensuring that both of these things are constantly and easily available to her should she change her mind, and given that you have no right to force them on her, how could you possibly be guilty of neglect? Your aunts are suffering from the common delusion that they could do better. Are they going to give it a try? No, thought not. Keep in touch with the authorities, keep offering her water and food, keep monitoring her bloods, and if you're still worried keep a detailed log of everything.

Far from neglecting your mother, you are giving her the best kind of loving care.
Unfortunately, her choices are still agonising for you - is there anyone around who can help you with that? x
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Very hard for you but if she is of sound mind there is little you can do but make sure authorities know what she is doing. How old is she? Does anyone have POA? How is her general health?
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Thanks for the responces. She refuses to go to the Doctors also. When we have called a Ambulance out here cause she couldnt hardly breathe and they ask her questions. Like Birth date, Who the President is etc. She answers the questions. They say they can't make her go.
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jimmyrbrock, I read that your mother is diabetic, so I understand how concerned you are. Which diabetic medications is she supposed to be taking? Have you been able to get her to check her glucose level? In your situation I would make an appointment for you to talk to her doctor very quickly to see what the options are. Since she is diabetic, not eating and taking medications is not an option for her unless she is ready to die. It is unfair for her to expect others just sit and watch while she does it. Talk to her doctor to get some advice as soon as possible. If she starts to go into metabolic failure, call 911 to take her to the er. Maybe they will admit her to a geriatric psych program to see if they can help her past what sounds like depression. My thoughts and hopes are with you. It is a cruel thing to have to watch while this happens.
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Hi there. My mother hasn't given up eating yet, but always complains of her stomach hurting. Her regular Dr. (that supplies her pain medications) wanted to send her to a specialist. Mom keeps refusing any additional care. I asked her Dr. if I could get in trouble because of this. He told me, "No" since she is still able to make her own decisions. (She lives with me, and I am the POA.). You say that your mother is in "good mind". To set your mind at ease, I agree with the above comments regarding a professional opinion or a witness so to speak. Not to sound cruel, but tell her sisters to come try to get her to eat. You shouldn't have to be worried about "Murder" with everything going on.
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Call Hospice and they will evaluate. What you hear from her sisters is just their grief talking. Hospice is (229) 246-6330
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You do not need POA to take her to the doctors. You need to seek out medical attention for her, especially if she is in your care. Do do otherwise is neglect and you could be charged with elder abuse. Her refusal for medical care is called self harm in her case. Call APS to protect you and your mother.
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im not experienced with this issue but if it were me id ask aps to look in on her. if she is indeed failing her body will not require or accept food but for legal purposes and peace of mind id let authorities make a decision concerning her well being. they may bring a nurse to the home if its medical facilities that your mother is resisting.
you may face legal liability if you dont seek a professional opinion .
this is what i think i would do.
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I doubt it. Are you the only one taking care of her? How old is she? Have her sisters tried to come in and feed her?

There are two problems: Getting her to eat, and Protecting yourself from charges of neglect.

Will she eat ice cream or fruit smoothies? Does she have a terminal disease? When was the last time a doctor saw her? There is medication that will increase her appetite. If she becomes unconscious, you can call 911 and have her taken to the hospital, where they can feed her.

If she is truly dying, and knows her time is near, her body may no longer want any food. It can be cruel to try to force a dying person to eat. If she is just depressed, and not yet near dying, she may need an antidepressant to make her want to live.

To protect yourself, make sure there are witnesses to your efforts to feed her and get her to the doctor.

This is a very sad and difficult situation. Give us more details, and we may have better advice.
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