My recently widowed mom, 76, was just informed by a social worker 1. that her brother is terminally ill, and 2. he has directed hospice to my mother's home. She was shocked. Can he do this? He's difficult, stubborn and knows my mom is a soft touch. She cannot manage him, which he knows. I believe he's decided that without her husband around, he can just move in and have her cater to him in his final months. The siblings are not close. Mom only sees him when he needs money. The social worker says he is "self neglecting." He refuses to bathe or eat.
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Just because your mother and her.brother are blood relation, that does not make her legally responsible for him in anyway. None.
Your mother is no more obliged to care for him than a neighbor is.
Even if your mother is able to provide care, she is not obliged.
She also doesn't owe any reason to anyone as to why she doesn't take her brother in. None.
If her brother has no other place to go, then the social worker will find him a bed in a facility like a nursing home. Hospice will go there and provide care for him. Your mother can cone to visit and check on him to ensure he's getting proper care.
Good luck and Godspeed with a difficult situation
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No, of course he can't just decide he's moving in with her. Yes, of course it would have been sensible, not to mention courteous, to have asked her before filling in the forms. But she needn't be shocked, just firm. Alternative arrangements will be made for him.
As said all the time on this forum "No is a one word sentence". And, you are not responsible for the reaction you get from the other person when you say no. Mom cannot be made to take brother in. And like said, do not even allow him passed the front door. Once in the house, u will never get him out. She cannot be brought up on charges. The SW is trying to lighten her work load. They will say anything to get family to care for someone. The SW will just need to place him in a NH. SHE will have to do the Medicaid application. She will need to set up Hospice. When he passes, she will have to make the arrangements for his burial and the State will have to pay for it. Oh yes, a State guardian may be set up for him by the court. DO NOT allow them to talk Mom into being his temporary guardian. She then will be responsible to do everything the SW will have to do.
Mom needs to call that SW first thing tomorrow morning and tell her she is not to transport her brother to her home. He may have directed Hospice to her house but he did not have permission to do so. She needs to be firm that she will take on no responsibility for him. The State will need to make provisions for his care. Maybe u can be there for support if the SW tries to argue. Be firm that this will not happen, tell the SW not to call Mom again and then hang up. Any calls after that tell Mom not to answer. Like said if they do transport Uncle to her house. She can refuse to take him saying she gave no permission or don't answer the door.
It is quite possible that brother has not been truthful with the social worker. So you will have to stand by to make mom's refusal very clear.
Your mom can tell him that if he moves in, she'll kill him.
Sorry for my bad humor.
To answer your question, yes, hospice MUST have your mom's permission. They can't just drop him off at her place. Tell your mom to keep her doors locked and don't answer if he shows up.