Here's the situation: an elderly woman who'd previously been in AL went into rehab following a minor fall (no major injuries). She has some mild cognitive impairment but is still moderately functional; uses a walker, but gets around reasonably well. The rehab facility told the family they felt she could not return to AL...wanted to place her in their locked memory care unit. At this point no official dx of dementia had been made, but tests were scheduled. The family felt like the facility was trying to force mom into their memory unit unnecessarily, and considered removing her. The facility social worker told them that would be against medical advise (AMA). We advised them to be cautious about doing this.
As it turned out their mom passed her tests and WAS allowed to return to her AL facility, but what if they HAD pulled her from rehab AMA? Could the facility have reported them to APS? Wondering if anyone else has had any experience with this.
If, however, you innocently call them for advice or assistance, they are generally more than happy to give a damn's well as begin documenting your case. If you establish a relationship with them and they know the situation with your elder before someone put in a complaint, they are much more likely to be on your side from the outset.
Hen you have or begin to have an elder who is problematic in any way where you could be interpreted as abusive or neglectful, you always need to be thinking in a proactive and preemptive way. It's unfortunate that you must spend your time this way, however those on the outside looking in aren't concerned about your time, especially some family members who aren't participating in any of the caretaking what are happy to meddle in the finances. Interestingly, many of the complaints come from those very relatives!
Beware...protect yourself...document (journal)...witnesses...nanny cams!
more than happy to GIVE AID AS WELL AS beginning to document your case
WHEN you have or begin to have an elder who is problematic
family members who aren't participating in any of the caretaking BUT are happy to meddle