She is very happy and active, she loves to talk walks. Unfortunately on one of her walks she met a neighbor. A woman who felt the need to call adult protective services and tell them my mother was being neglected. APS called me, I let them come to my house and evaluate my mother. They are telling me that she needs to be on meds and she needs to go into a mental hospital for 14 days to be evaluated further. I refuse to let that happen. I can take my mother to the Dr.
Can they legally force my mother to go?
Are they accusing you of neglect? Is the hospitalization something they are recommending based on their observations of your mother, or is it posed as an order? Are they threatening to make her a ward of the state? Have they said what will happen if you decide against the hospital stay?
What kind of dementia does your mom have? What are her main symtoms at this point? How long has she had it? Is she being treated/followed by a doctor with in-depth knowledge of dementia? What does the doctor think is best for Mom?
There is no cure for most kinds of dementia, but there are medications that can address symptoms and improve quality of life. Maybe a thorough geriatric evaluation would be a good idea, but 14 days in a hospital seems a bit extreme as a first step. On the other hand, several people in the support group I belong to have had their loved ones treated on an in-patient basis so they can be carefully monitored as their complicated drug routines are adjusted. Then they go home or back to their long term care facilities a little more stable.
Hugs to you as you deal with this. Please keep us informed, we care.
I have to keep reminding him that we are going back for a visit next month. Is that neglect or what? If he doesn't shave and/or shower for 3-4+ days is that neglect or he just refuses? Give me a break and tell the neighbor to mind her own business.
I'm with you but it's like the police stopping you to search your car. Don't let them without a court order or it may lead to bigger trouble believe it or not. Thanks for listening.