Hi, I have a situation where my dad is extremely toxic....without going into too much details, it's come to the point where we potentially have to go to court against each other. He has physical issues but mentally he's just fine. I'm cutting ties with him and moving him back to his place, because he refuses to go to a care facility, and I'm arranging people to come help him with household chores and showering. I wanna know what are some ways I could protect myself from any legal liabilities in case something happens to him in the future while living alone. Could I be held liable for elder abandonment? I plan to change my number and last name and not contact him again. Do I have him sign a document where he renounces me as his caregiver? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
I would do what you plan on doing. Take him to his home and set him up with who you think he needs. If you have POA, you can revoke it. Tell Dad to assign someone else. You may want to consult with a lawyer if he thinks calling Adult Protection Services would be wise. Just to put Dad on their radar. Maybe they can help with resourses and do a "well visit" every so often. What will end up happening is if Dad comes to the point he needs more care and they cannot contact a family member, he wilk become a Ward of the State and a guardian will be assigned to him. Any money he has will be used for his care. If he owns a house, the State may sell it and the proceeds will go to his care.
There will be members who can sympathize with you. Its hard dealing with someone who wants everything their way and has no empathy for the one doing the Caregiving. Its not a crime to just walk away.