I tend to my mother who is 81 years old. Someone decided to call APS saying my house is cluttered, in bad condition, that trash is piled up the wall and that flies, roaches, and other critters are infesting the home. I don't know who called, but they are lying. I made a complaint about Hospice, LLC. On October 18, 2024, my mother was placed on hospice care upon her discharge from LBJ. I was not informed beforehand that she had open wounds, and I was told that someone would meet the ambulance at my home, which never happened. Hospice LLC, represented by an RN, came to my house to evaluate my mother and set her up as a new patient. I inquired if the hospice company could complete my FMLA paperwork, and I was assured they would comply. I was also told that a plan of action would be developed, but this never took place. The hospice company sent various personnel to my home, who only watched my children while I fed, changed, and provided cared for my mother. When we stepped out of the room, these individuals rummaged through drawers, stole medication, and even smoked drugs in my bathroom, leaving a plastic smell behind. They would take store breaks to gather more drugs and often left little baggies next to my trash can. Frustrated, I called the office to report these issues, which led to a visit from the provider, who claimed to be the director. His behavior showed a complete lack of common sense. He came to my home attempting to bribe me with $500.00 to stay silent about my experiences. He reassured me that things would improve and that he would take accountability for the situation. I reached out to Hospice multiple times to follow up on my FMLA paperwork. When it was finally returned, I was devastated to find it appeared to have been filled out by a kindergartener, with numerous errors and incomplete information that did not follow the provided directions. On November 20, 2024, I contacted them again to confirm whether the corrected form had been sent back. I was told that it had been. Still giving LIES.
Then you’re going to need another hospice.
You need to contact another Hospice.
If you get a visit from APS please keep your temper in check. They are doing a job, they have to follow up on all reports.
They will not, can not give you the name of the person that made the call to begin with.
Document everything about your moms care.
If there are any personal items around please put them away and any sensitive documents. While most people are honest you can never tell so anything that you do not want seen by others should be put away. (preferably locked in a safe)
And just FYI, hospice care does NOT mean that someone comes in to feed or change your loved ones diapers or even to care for her, as that is on you. All they will do is have a nurse to come once a week to check on your mother to start and aides to come bathe her around twice a week.
And why did you let anyone in your bathroom? You can say no you know if they ask to use it.
There were only a few times that my late husbands hospice nurse asked to use our bathroom in the 22 months that they came to our house and that was because she knew it would be clean as she knew I was clean freak.
So if what you've written is true, report this agency ASAP to whomever you need to to get them shut down.
And do your research on the next hospice agency you bring on board for your mother knowing upfront that you will still be responsible for 99% of her care.
I'm so sorry you're going through this. I hope you come out on top. If all else fails maybe hire a lawyer to write a "clarifying" letter to the hospice company and they may snap to attention.
This is how:
1. Do not ask who reported you; they are not allowed to give this information. If, however you suspect who might have, because of neighborly dispute of history, you can say "I have reported a Hospice" or some such. You would continue: " I understand you cannot divulge who reported me due to privacy concerns, but if it WAS this (person, entity, etc) I want just to let you know that your visitor here might be a attempt to retaliate against me."
It it crucial that you say this calmly, nicely.
2. You now invite APS into your home and tell them they are willing to look around wherever they like and ask any questions of you or of your mom. Ask them if they would like a cuppa.
Basically that's it. They understand you are caregiving. They don't expect perfection. They know there may be piles of clothing waiting to be laundered, clean incontinence wear boxes stacked somewhere, and dished awaiting washing. That is caregiving, basically.
What would NOT stand is, yes, any infestations or basically unclean and dangerous situation.
3. After inspection you can tell them that you hope you "passed" and that you would "greatly appreciate knowing any shortcomings they noted. This is a good time to ask THEM for pointers on how to get more help or care.
The best way out of APS is allowing them to do their thing; they are mandated by law.
As to your Hospice situation, Hospice is not a jail sentence. It is a help to you. It can be hired or fired at any time and requires only MD signature to start. Hospice personnel is NOT required to do your paperwork. They are there to give baths to the patient, assess the patient, and handle some few medical issues. Generally now it is down to two bedbaths a week, one RN visit to assess patient per week, a phone call from clergy asking if you require them and a phone call from a social worker. Also medications and medically required things like bedside commode and hospital bed.
Good luck. Sorry you are going through hard times. Hoping the sores are healing or have a wound care nurse visiting. You can ask for referral for wound care.
When the Nurse from the new hospice comes to admit Mom, you should be given a binder of their services. An aide comes 2 or 3x a week to bathe Mom. If you need time to run errands see if they can come longer. A nurse should come once a week but the care is on you. She should be available by phone 24/7. I can't imagine doing this with children who need babysitting. If Mom has money, I may hire aids to care for her.
APS will come to your home and do an inspection. Just keep calm and answer their questions. Not sure if I would say anything about the Hospice unless asked. Hopefully, you will have fired the present one and hired a new one by the time APS shows up.
Hospice is for comfort care. You are supplied with a hospital bed and whatever else you may need in durable equipment. Depends, chuks, medication, wipes, ect should be ordered by hospice and are part of the service. They are coming into your home and need to respect that. You have a right to question.