Father not taking care of mom

[Anonymous]

My dad has basically abandoned my mom. She is in early stages of something. I am not a doc but could be anything from dementia to schizophrenia. She has mental issues her whole life so although could be dementia my hit is this is something else. I have no legal POA for her. She refuses to see doc and dad has basically moved out and is dating some woman. I believe my mom is not safe. I am contacting an attorney today but should I call police? What does this all mean. I am not wanting to have my dad charged with anything but do feel he needs to take financial responsibility. They have been married 50 years and are both 70 so not that old. He still works.

[Anonymous]

Should add that she does not believe he is out of house etc.. That is how out of it she is

[Anonymous]

I think you need a social worker. Try the Area Agency on Aging.

[Anonymous]

I'd call aging and disability. She needs to go to a nursing home but the problem will be paying for it if they as medicaid only kicks in if you basically have nothing.

[Anonymous]

Oh, you don't always need a POA. We don't have one for my MIL and we do everything for her.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My dad has basically abandoned my mom. She is in early stages of something. I am not a doc but could be anything from dementia to schizophrenia. She has mental issues her whole life so although could be dementia my hit is this is something else. I have no legal POA for her. She refuses to see doc and dad has basically moved out and is dating some woman. I believe my mom is not safe. I am contacting an attorney today but should I call police? What does this all mean. I am not wanting to have my dad charged with anything but do feel he needs to take financial responsibility. They have been married 50 years and are both 70 so not that old. He still works.

I'd really like to know: what statute would the husband be violating in order to call the police? Or is it just a welfare check? But you already know how she is faring.

[Anonymous]

I don't know what you think the police will do for you. Even if he does have a legal responsibility to pay, it would not be a criminal matter. Not something that your average cop can do anything about. See a lawyer and make sure your dad isn't draining their joint accounts.

[Anonymous]

Call your local Office of Aging, or Social work/Welfare office. She sounds like a danger to herself and could require intervention.