I’ve been here on this website for close to four years - I don’t comment nearly as often as I use to.
But I’ll always comment on this topic when I notice it.
Because - I had a really awful experience with this - and as luck would have it, it was at the very beginning of my caregivers journey, so I was an easy mark. I pretty much believed whatever I was told.
So, no - you do not have to take your father home.
Just beware. Whom ever you are dealing with at the hospital may tell you different. They may imply or straight up lie to you that you do. Unless you are your fathers legal guardian - appointed as such in a court of law - you are under no legal obligation to assume responsibility for his care. Not even to the point that you pick him up and transport him back to his home. Edit: After giving it some thought, it occurs to me that because your father has been living with you for six months - should the hospital arrange to transport your father back to your house - you may in fact, have the legal responsibility to allow him in. At this length of time living in your house, an argument could be made that this is his legal residence. And, that is a whole other legal ball game.
Just know that any alternatives provided by a social worker at the hospital may not be optimal and/or what you may consider appropriate. For this reason, it is best to work WITH the hospital SW in determining what’s in your fathers best interest.
Ask to speak with the social services department of the hospital he’s at. Tell them you cannot care for him and he cannot come back to your home because he will not receive the care he needs. They will work with you to find an alternative, including helping you file for Medicaid if necessary. If no one has POA for him and he’s competent to appoint one, discuss that as well.
You don’t necessarily have to just walk away if that is contrary to your principals. There are other options. Call the hospital today and schedule a meeting with their social worker.
Yes, please meet with someone to figure out how to get him placed someplace ASAP. If you help with the process it will go much more smoothly.
I have heard of people refusing to take their LO home from the hospital or help with their placement and the poor person ends up languishing in the hospital for months as they go through the court system so that they can get guardianship, etc.
But I’ll always comment on this topic when I notice it.
Because - I had a really awful experience with this - and as luck would have it, it was at the very beginning of my caregivers journey, so I was an easy mark. I pretty much believed whatever I was told.
So, no - you do not have to take your father home.
Just beware. Whom ever you are dealing with at the hospital may tell you different. They may imply or straight up lie to you that you do. Unless you are your fathers legal guardian - appointed as such in a court of law - you are under no legal obligation to assume responsibility for his care. Not even to the point that you pick him up and transport him back to his home.
Edit: After giving it some thought, it occurs to me that because your father has been living with you for six months - should the hospital arrange to transport your father back to your house - you may in fact, have the legal responsibility to allow him in. At this length of time living in your house, an argument could be made that this is his legal residence. And, that is a whole other legal ball game.
Just know that any alternatives provided by a social worker at the hospital may not be optimal and/or what you may consider appropriate. For this reason, it is best to work WITH the hospital SW in determining what’s in your fathers best interest.
You don’t necessarily have to just walk away if that is contrary to your principals. There are other options. Call the hospital today and schedule a meeting with their social worker.
I have heard of people refusing to take their LO home from the hospital or help with their placement and the poor person ends up languishing in the hospital for months as they go through the court system so that they can get guardianship, etc.