Hospital MSW made unsubstantiated referral to APS without asking adequate questions. My Mom had delirium from UTI. My Mom's PCP asked APS to call him before the visit. APS rep stopped by the clinic. PCP was on rounds. She went to the house. She told my Dad her first name only. She did not mention her last name or leave a card. My Dad should have refused her visit, but she convinced him that PCP was in agreement. The APS rep said she would return in 3 weeks. Is it normal for APS to have follow up visits? My Dad is in the process of completing a Medical Power of Attorney for my Mom. He should then be able to refuse any visit from what I understand. My Mom has dementia, but has not been officially diagnosed.
Maybe that's because I live in the inner city and no one in their right mind opens the door without knowing who is on the other side.
BUT I woukd follow up with APS if your brother is a reliable reporter of what transpired.
We do know they will be coming back, and your original question was "Is it unusual".....for them to return. Nope. Not unless things didn't go well the first time.
Or perhaps, if they are a psychopath, as you make this particular worker sound.
We all make judgements. I have, you are absolutely correct, formed certain opinions about the way your family is handling an APS visit after reports from a mandated reporter. My opinions may be right, may be wrong; we cannot know. I am, however, becoming more and more convinced of them.
And yes, I do believe you are quite angry and distraught, quite unwilling to work with APS, and it does sound to me as though your brother may be the same. (Either that or the APS gal is--again--psychotic. I tend to doubt that.)
Having been a nurse my entire career, and being now 80, I am somewhat, if not completely, experienced.
You may yet convince me that you are in fact willing to meet with APS in a spirit of cooperation, to set their concerns at rest, to convince them that they have utterly no business contacting you no matter WHAT mandated reporter reported to them. But I doubt it.
And as I said, any adversarial responses will cause you further problems, something I truly hope doesn't happen for you. You are an utter stranger, as is you entire family, as is the medical staff that reported problems, as is your APS worker. None of us have any no reason to wish you ill.
I would call local APS and find out if there is a record of this visit.
Telling APS "I'm too tired to speak with you" is going to arouse suspicions. I think it would for MOST people. While it may be true, it sounds like an excuse.
APS is NOT there to rob your elder.
I'm playing devil's advocate here. I am going to assume that hospital SW found something concerning enough to call APS.
Are you getting your info about what hospital refused to do, about what APS worker did, from dad?
I would put in a complaint about this APS worker. When Dad answered the door, she should have announced she was from APS, her full name and her ID/badge. Then ask if she could enter the home. He could have refused saying that he wanted someone with him when she talked to him. Also, she lied. His primary did not give permission.
No, you allow APS to come. They can also be helpful. There is a reason the SW felt she/he needed to call APS but it would have been nice if she/he had talked to family members first about their concerns. Nice to know PCP was willing to be involved.
To start at beginning, you say your Mom was in hospital with UTI at the point that the social worker and PCP became concerned.
Does you Mom and Dad live alone? Is he attempting to care for your mom alone?
Secondly, if your mom has dementia she cannot confer POA upon your dad. Too late for that. POA is GIVEN by a competent principal to another person willingly and with a clear mind. HOWEVER, as her next of kin APS and a social worker can assist your dad in getting a diagnosis and guardianship of Mom, so WELCOME APS. They can HELP.
Thirdly, do know that even a POA/guardian/conservator can be investigated AT ANY TIME BY APS as easily as anyone else. This is for the protection of those in care who may be being abused.
APS should be welcomed. Every worker in the hospital/medical setting is a mandated reporter. When a patient tells any one of them something that triggers concern they MUST report it and see that it is followed up. That is whether the patient is hallucinating or not.
When APS shows up they should provide their ID and say where they are from. You have the right to say you are indisposed at that moment, but you had better set up an appointment ASAP for them to return.
Be ready to answer all and all questions. Be ready to see your loved one interviewed PRIVATELY and without YOU present. Be ready to allow your home to be inspected for safety if this is where the principal lives.
Again, these people are there to prevent and investigate allegations of abuse. I trust you when you say that your mom is not in an abusive situation. So welcome in those trying to protect her, offer a cup of coffee, tell them you appreciate their concern and their mandate to protect elders. Allow them to do their job and they will trust you more, and will be gone soon.
Do know, also, that APS can assist you in getting Mom diagnosed. And that is something that should be done.
Again, too late for POA. Guardianship is what is required now, and that after diagnosis.
Who was she asking them of? Your delusional mom? Dad? You?
APS needs to follow-up until they are satisfied that your mom (and possibly dad) have adequate support in their home.
Why do you want to keep them out?
I am confused about the rest of your post.