My husband suffers from Neuropathy which put him in a wheelchair and he also has some Parkinson's and a mild Dementia. I have to leave now and then to shop. I also have to have cataract surgery soon. He just sits on his recliner the time I am gone but I always hurry back . He tells me he is fine and most of the time he is. But I often wonder, "what if he should decide to get up and fall" .... and hurt himself......I worry about that. I keep a phone next to him when I leave. He can dial 911 or someones number (I think ) so my concern is, Am I legally responsible for him? In other words, "can I be sited for leaving him alone for a short time ? " I worry about that. I have to leave now and then. I really hate to pay someone $25 to just sit and watch him. Like I said, He rarely tries to get up, but one time he did. He had to get to the bathroom. Never made it and I found him on the floor when I got back. Thank God he was not hurt but was a chore getting him up and cleaning him. This only happened once. I do have to go shopping , I know I can have supplies delivered but I love to get out for a couple of hours once in a while. I would hate to be handcuffed and put in jail because of neglect. ( I take excellent care of him ) I worry about this so am I legally respnsible ?
Your Spidey Sense is already telling you he shouldn’t be left alone, for his own safety. But you’re worried about getting into trouble? I don’t know if you could be legally charged with neglect for leaving him and something bad happened, but I’m sure other posters on here know. But what would you do differently if the answer is Yes?? Would that be the impetus for you?
And I quote you: “I know he needs to be in a facility”. OK, then, at least get help into the house.
Yes, you need to get out. Have some time for you. What if you were involved is an accident an injured? What if you were to have a medical issue and unable to talk? What if, what if, what if....
Wouldn't it be worth your peace of mind to arrange outside help a couple of times a week so that you can get out?