I called a placement facility for the person I care for. I was told if they couldn't help to call an ambulance if uncomfortable or scared of dementia patient. I called, they got a hold of aps and I was asked if I needed law enforcement. I said no, but shortly there were 3 police cars out front. Somehow they were given the impression that it was a domestic issue. It was not. The very, very advanced dementia patient had turned a corner and unnerving me. This person hallucinates, doesn't understand basic commands and has been documented as dangerous to self. I, the sole caregiver, was made to leave even though the patient couldn't care for themselves. It has all been resolved with police, but aps caseworker still treats me as if I did something wrong. The patient was taken to the hospital, admitted, decision was made that they would no longer ever be released to go home and are awaiting placement in a facility. Great, that's what's needed. My problem, even being health poa, was not notified until almost 24 hours after the admittance. The caseworker is giving authority to a neighbor as far as caring for animals in the home, changing locks etc. I live in that home too. What gives? I did nothing wrong. I came just as neighbor was changing the lock, he stepped out a second and I put the original lock back on. He said what are you doing? I answered if anyone changes locks, it will be me or someone in an official capacity.He's been allowed free access to my home and the police were even confused as to why. The caseworker wanted me gone in an afternoon so they could take possession of the home. I said that's not happening, I can't get my stuff out that fast. The officer came back shortly and said we can't kick you out, we have to evict. I said I know, just waiting on you to figure it out. Also, don't bother, all I want is my things and will be gone. That's always been the plan. Can aps give access to just anyone to your home and animals? They didn't know this person. They could have been a criminal and to change the locks and lock me out. Guns etc in the house. Can an aps caseworker with a crap attitude have that much authority, especially when patient isn't even there. I think it was handled very badly and would like to know if I have any recourse to have her disciplined or terminated? I hate people with authority complexes that push everything as far as possible to feed their own ego! What should/can I do?
Unlikely. In this case, the APS worker's focus was on the vulnerable adult they were notified about and NOT about the living arrangement you have with your client (or whatever else this person is to you). I would guess if APS requested the neighbor to change the locks, then it IS likely that APS has that authority. After all, if APS is the driving force behind your client NOT being allowed back into the home - for example, they secured a court-ordered guardianship for this elder to force him into needed care - then it is probably on APS to ensure the premise is secured once he, the elder, is gone from it. And if this elder is the only person listed on the deed/lease and he is now in long term care, the place has to be locked up. It would then be on YOU to prove to the authorities that you have the legal right to be in the premise, in which case yes, they will need to formally evict you should it come to that. But THAT issue is not the focus or mission of APS.
Now, that being said, since this (APS) is a government agency, there will be a "chain of command" within said agency. This APS worker almost definitely has a supervisor. You can call/write/e-mail said supervisor with your complaints and ask if there if there is any way for you to make a formal complaint against this worker. If this worker indeed overstepped his/her authority, they will be disciplined according to their agency's guidelines. I doubt if it will result in the person getting fired, however. Only you can decide if it is worth the hassle of going the "formal complaint" route.
" I, the sole caregiver..."
I'm confused. You apparently are a (paid?) live-in caregiver? And also the resident's medical PoA?
Who called APS? The neighbor? The facility?
If you are really the resident's PoA then did you show the PoA document to the APS caseworker? If you did, then I have no idea why they are acting in such a way.
It's possible that you think you are acting as this resident's PoA but in reality are not... it's possible a family member is now looking to place this person and wants you out of their house so they can sell it to pay for their care.
I've read on this forum that in some states when the caregiving ends, the caregiver must get out immediately. But is you're the PoA managing financial and medical then this would not apply to you.
Please clarify if you have actual PoA documents assigning you. Or, are you only the medical PoA? And someone else is the financial? If so, you two need to work together. Or get a lawyer to sort this out.
Please clarify and provide more information so we can give you the most appropriate guidance.
THE COURT makes the decisions. There WILL BE/IS a court order here.
I believe if you go to where the elder is currently they will inform you that this elder (whoever they are to you) is currently under a protective order, being managed by the state's court-appointed fiduciary.
Your POA will be worthless given that.
This is a State Appointed Fiduciary who will act now for this elder in terms of managing all assets and in terms of diagnosis and placement.
And yes, if you try to stay, you will be evicted.
Your message to us is VERY confused and confusing.
I can only imagine what the real situation is, but it is dire enough that the APS reported it as an emergency, and there were orders to remove the elder, and to take on care of the elder through a court appointed Fiduciary.
Likely the elder will be placed, and plans will manage all assets, animals, etc on the premises, you will be evicted and the premises locked by court order.
I cannot make out what role the neighbor plays in this but it is a role you did not explain to us; apparently he/she agreed to lock the premises for safety after the state removed the elder (as a guess).
So, yes, this is a mess. Whether you are a FAMILY member with POA or a CAREGIVER with POA or whatever you are, you do need a lawyer now to iron all this out. Certainly a Forum of strangers cannot make even the wildest guesses at what's happening here. Do understand that we on Forum only hear (or for the most part, hear) that APS will do nothing. So when they DO act, there is a darn good reason they do. This was clearly a matter of emergency guardianship by the state. There will be further court action to make it permanent, so you need to stay in touch and check you mail if you are POA or a relative.
I can't fathom a guess as to WHAT is happening here at all.
Apparently you can't, either. Get an attorney.
There is a reason APS was called. Someone felt this situation was just not right. Like said, this person is now under the care of the State and as such they need to protect the persons property. Your POA is now voided. If APS cannot find a family member to take on the responsibility, the court will name a guardian. Yes, APS has a lot of clout. I agree that some workers are a little zealous. Call the Dept and ask for a Supervisor and tell them your story.