Her Doctors explained why she could no longer live alone and she agreed and understood everything that needed to be done.,,,move into her new place, have estate sale for remaining things and sell her townhome in order to pay for her care. She has memory issues, fibromyalgia, severe depression and on so many medications (narcotics etc..) and has been living with us for the past 2 months until we could get her into the new place. During that time, her health has improved greatly, and now she thinks she is all better and wants to move back home and not sell the house. She also wants her car, and I don't think she should drive because of medication and new town and surrounding town and would get lost. QUESTIONS: Can she legally move out of assisted living at her own will? Can the Doctors take away her right to drive a car? If I have Power of Attorney for her, and am responsible for her finances, can she stop the process of selling her townhome, which is a large source of monies to be used for her care? She is angry with me and says that I am taking everything away from her. We have never had problems with trust until this week. I'm hurt, exhasted and worried that she can leave assisted living. PLEASE HELP ME!
If your Mom has memory issues, you probably signed the agreement for her. Just be patient with her -- and talk to your attorney and any other support agencies you are familiar with. They will help you. I know my Mom will be exactly the same way. Like you don't feel guilty enough ...
A doctor can't prevent her from driving, but should report her to DMV if in his or her judgment it is not safe for her to drive. (Persons with dementia are not safe to drive!)
Again, if she is legally competent, she probably can stop the process of selling her townhome.
But before you get too concerned about the legalities give her more time to settle in. The first few weeks may be the hardest. She may discover she likes having her meals prepared for her and having access to social activities and transportation to shopping and whatever the facility offers.
And try not to take her accusations personally. This is a huge change for her, and she is lashing out. That is the dementia speaking.