I am being asked to care for a family member with early stages of dementia in another state. I haven't been very close with this family member and believe there was previous elder abuse by other family members, but I would never do anything of the sort, however my family member has a hard time trusting anyone.
I am a female and have a past history of domestic violence on my criminal record. although I am no longer on probation for the crime and have not had another arrest for violence in a long time, I CAN AND WILL GO TO PRISON FOR ANYTHING THAT INVOLVES ABUSE AND/OR VIOLENCE.
My family member takes medication to thin their blood which causes them to bleed and bruise very easily. the dementia worsens every day and anyone who is around gets accused of stealing things when the family member has "misplaced" their personal items, such as car keys and cigarettes. this tends to be frustrating when NOBODY ELSE IN THE HOUSEHOLD EVEN SMOKES!
My mother who is asking me to care for the family member works in elder care services and has some power to an extent. For some reason I feel that there is more going on than I realize and am being told and that my family has other plans for me, such as many years in prison. but there has been no reason for me to think these things, however I have my reasons for doing so.
How can I protect myself from false accusations of elder abuse by someone who has authority and power in senior care services who wishes to "get rid of" me, when I have a violent criminal record, while I care for a family member with dementia in another state?
It is impossible to protect yourself once you step into the situation.
See All Answers