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Beth2814 Asked April 24, 2024

Are there steps you can take to place a parent in assisted living if they don’t want to go?

Parent has had numerous close calls while living alone. Her luck will run out one day. We live in the state of Texas if that matters.

strugglinson Jun 2, 2024
You havent given a lot of details. We know that you are POA, and that your parent has dementia.

One thing to keep in mind that is a very good point that I learned on the Forum: while there are things you cannot force or make happen as POA, you have power in being able to say NO to things that you cannot do, are not willing to do, and/or feel is ridiculous to do. Also look at your POA contract as far as what it says for you to do.
But as others have said, this can be done most smoothly if she gets admitted to a hospital, then you could say she just cannot be managed at home. The hospital discharge planners and social workers can then make things happen

You mention that you have been designated main caregiver. If your parent is at home and has dementia, I'm guessing, but you are probably helping out a lot to make it all work in the house. So, no wonder she doesnt want to leave. What you could do, in a safe manner, is withdraw the amount of help you are giving, without becoming a safety risk. Tell her you just cannot support increasing needs at home, and its not feasible. Let her see a bit how things would be without help. She if she can do laundry by herself, clean the house etc etc. That could help change the decision on her part.

As for possible actions you COULD take? ITs true you cannot literally take her to AL kicking and screaming. Since she has dementia, can you get a doctor to write out a latter that she needs 24/7 supervision? Then you could say that its not feasible to provide that at home. IF your parent / family still dont agree to go to AL, you could even call APS and tell them your parent is unsafe at home, that the doctor has said she needs 24/7 supervision, and that you and family cannot provide that. It may get unpleasant, but APS can then push things through if they deem it an unsafe environment...

akababy7 Jun 2, 2024
I probably already mentioned this but what happened with momma is that she fell again in her house and suffered two hemotamos. Went into rehab and then assisted living. The doctor said that she needed 24 hr care but I am blamed and have been paying for it ever since. Been five years now. I have tried to explain the reasons why she could not stay at home. Financial and other. She does not want to believe me. Does not understand. Whatever. I have explained to my siblings all of the reasons and they are the same as momma.

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JoAnn29 May 31, 2024
This OP has not responded since her posting.

Beatty Apr 26, 2024
Where is this parent at present?
At home or was it in rehab?

Beatty Apr 25, 2024
Can I backtrack? Get the viewpoints..

Your view (& possibly other family members) is Assisted Living is required.

Maybe you see an unsafe living situation, many risks, falls or lack of hygiene?

Yet your parent doesn't agree.
Maybe says Oh I'll manage, yet cannot plan or problem solve? Pleasant but vague.

Or maybe hostile, refuses all help & tells you to butt out? A new (or long standing) stubborn streak.

Has anything been diagnosed that would effect thinking/cognition?
Beth2814 Apr 25, 2024
As of today yes, cognitive test show dementia.
Geaton777 Apr 24, 2024
Are you her PoA? Does she have one? Does she have the funds to pay for it out of her own assets? Does she have a medical diagnosis of impairment?
Tiredniece23 Apr 25, 2024
I was POA and I couldn't get my aunt into one. Everyone told me to get her in court. I didn't have the money, nor the energy. She remains as she is.

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