[jamiethepollack]

I have taken care of an elderly couple for the past 5 years because they were from my church and we get along. They are like family to me and they call me their niece. ;0) Recently, the husband went to the hospital and now is in a skilled nursing facility receiving care. I want him to come home to my house and he is ready, but the social worker at the nursing home called APS saying I am using the couple for money, which is not true, and has decided that she does not think that the wife is competent to make medical decisions for her husband! So now they are trying to set up a "bio ethic" group or something. I have POA for finances but not for health care. The wife just appointed me as POA for health care for her, but what about her husband! Any suggestions? We want him out of there and home.

[Fr_Chuck]

If what you say is true, basically wife goes in and checks husband out. Unless they have filed in court against the wife, she still has control of husband ( assuming husband is not able to speak for his-self

[joypulv]

Bring the clergy person with you to vouch for you when you go check him out.

MAYBE tell the social worker that she can visit you once at the house, and other than that, you and his wife are taking him home. I assume the medical staff signed off on his release, but even if they didn't, you can sign out AMA.

The social worker could have good intentions or could merely be wanting clients who have the money to pay for the facility. Kudos to you, and good luck.