What are the legal ramifications if something were to happen to a stroke patient who cannot walk/transfer on their own who wants to be alone in their home for a few hours everyday?
She has 24/7 care and family stopping in everyday, but wants a few hours of solitude in the afternoons. Can't blame her, but worried if there was a fire, break-in, etc. She is furious with family members who have told her we could be in legal trouble if something did happen. Anyone know the actual law on this? Or who I could contact to find out?
What if this stroke patient had no family? What then? What if nobody came around to install cameras to watch her every movement 24/7? Then she'd live alone and that would be that.
As long as the woman is of sound mind, it's her right to stay alone in her own home if she so desires. Back off a bit and honor her wishes. If there is a fire or a break-in, and if she has a phone, she can call 911 herself if she is of sound mind. Being wheelchair bound does not make a person totally incapacitated and/or immobilized to the point where they're non functional!
can see and view while everyone is out. there are ways.
We have a friend who cared for his MIL after his wife died. He owned a local business. He would get her up in the morning, get her breakfast and dressed. He would then sit her in her recliner with everything she may need while he was gone. Water, phone, the remote, snack etc. Then he would go to work. Coming back at lunch to feed her. Then off again. I am sure family members stopped by but it worked for them.
And - just musing here you understand, not making threats! - if the answer is yes, then in fact you could be in legal trouble if you continue to trespass on her privacy.
I don't blame her for wanting some peace and quiet, with having people in all the time. She deserves that, and at least with the cameras, you can have some peace of mind as well.
You are doing nothing wrong with wanting to honor your moms wishes.