musiclady123 Asked July 2014
I want to be removed as POA for my Mom. What are my options?
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Assisted Living has asked her to move out. She was evaluated as being unsafe to cook. They removed her item for cooking. Recently an in-law brought her in a microwave. That was the last straw for the Assisted Living. They have bent over backwards to accommodate her. She refuses to eat the food they serve.
She thinks he will take care of everything. I want no part of this in-law. He has caused so much problem for our family. He is a in-law to by late sister. He knew she was not allowed to cook but defied the rules of the Assisted Living.
I live 1300 miles away and am her only living child. I just can't help anymore she is out of control and 96 years old. Should I ask for a mental evaluation? I don't know what to do.
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2. Have you spoken to the in-law? Does he appreciate that he's been 'volunteered' to provide her care and accommodation?
3. Have you spoken to the ALF? Were they in all seriousness unable to explain effectively to the in-law why your mother could not safely keep his microwave in her apartment?
I'm having a slight difficulty understanding what you really want, here. Your post says you want to resign your POA. Fine, it's a simple thing to do. But you then lament the irresponsibility of the next person in line to look after your mother's interests, and go on to bewail the idea of her leaving a good place, a place of safety, for who knows what perils.
Either your mother is competent, in which case you cannot exercise your POA so you might as well resign it, in which case she can appoint somebody else and you can leave her to her own devices with a clear conscience; or she isn't, not really, in which case it is your duty, given that you accepted POA willingly, to step up now and sort out what is, in the end, a communications issue. With a little effort of negotiation and certain undertakings you might be able to reverse the ALF's decision. But don't wring your hands aimlessly - it does neither you nor your mother any good.
My first question as has been asked above, is "Is your mum competent?", as that determines if you can intervene or not. However, from my experience, being competent can be a matter of degree which complicates things.
I agree with talking to the social worker at the AL to look for solutions and if it is within your power having that relative banned from where ever your mother is.
As GA says - there may be some underlying medical/mental issues. Mother was assessed after her incident and in the past year she has declined. In the winter she was diagnosed with vascular dementia. What has helped has been the involvement of professionals. Your mum needs an thorough evaluation.
I had thoughts of withdrawing from POA, too, so I think I understand where you are coming from. At this point I am glad I did not. This grey area when they are declining, but still appear competent is a difficult one. My relationship with my mother has suffered too, but then she has a personality disorder, so it never was good. At present she wants no contact with family, so I deal with the social worker, medical people etc. who deal with her, and that is quite a relief.
Blessings to you. It is very difficult.
But, much as I've thought about it, I realize I'd feel terrible if I abandoned her. Sometimes, because of her memory loss and dementia, she doesn't go along with me and can be difficult. I remind myself that's what talking - not really her. But it's still hard to keep this in mind some days. So, just think about how you'll feel about it when she's gone. Every day, I tell myself that I can't go on with this, any longer. At the same time, I know I'll feel horrible in the future if I give up the POA. My hope for you is that, if you do take this step, that you can remind yourself that, while you had POA, that you did your best and be at peace with it. If not, you have my sympathies, for sure!
But, back to the subject: read the POA form. The one I have for Mom has some text about how Mom can revoke it, if she wants. I can't remember if there's verbiage that tells how I can get out of it. If it's not clear, you might want to get a lawyer because it's different in each state.
And who will handle issues for your mother if/when you resign? Does the POA provide for an alternate? Do you have any obligations under the terms of the document to provide a successor?
Perhaps the in-law can just be barred from visiting. Perhaps Meals on Wheels can deliver to your mother. Perhaps if she gets hungry enough she'll be more flexible and eat the AL meals.
I just feel for this poor woman, despite her lack of cooperation. It seems she's angry and lashing out, perhaps because of her situation.
I'm wondering if a conversation with the AL's social worker would help?
There may be some underlying medical issues that can be addressed.
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