I live in Florida. My mother lives in the same community as I, but in a different building. I also have two older sisters who live out of state. My sisters are under the impression that since I hold a Durable General Power of Attorney for our mother (I am "Agent" and they are alternates) and her Living Will Declaration, that I am our mother's "Primary Care Giver". As a result, should my mother fall or otherwise become injured or die, I could go to jail for neglect. There is no Court or other type of document stating I am her Primary Care Giver. I work for a living, am in constant contact with our mother and see her/help her out. She wishes to live alone, and my sisters know this. I do the best I can under the circumstances. We have very little money. Is what my sisters are saying true? I just happen to be our mother's next door neighbor. I take the best care as possible of her. Cannot afford a nurse or anything to stay with her during the day. She is pretty self-sufficient, i.e., bathes herself, cooks, uses the bathroom. Her mental faculties are fine. She gets around with her cane and in a wheelchair (difficult for her to walk) and is perfectly happy staying in bed watching TV. We eat together once a week. The rest of the time, she (tells me) she eats on her own. She has regular visits to her doctor.
Thank you.