Agency can check on mother’s care

Question: I am trying to locate and contact my 82-year-old mother. She is in a care home on Oahu, but I am unable to find out where.

My sister has "taken charge" of my mother's care, and has been flashing around a supposed power of attorney that is likely invalid. (Mother has recently signed a statement revoking any previously granted power of attorney.)

My sister refuses to tell me where my mother is, and has instructed mother's case manager to prevent my communicating with my mother as well. I was in contact with my mother at the last facility where she was placed, in spite of my sister's attempts to prevent our visits. My mother and I enjoyed a healthy relationship during that time.

My sister and mother's case manager then unexpectedly moved her, closing the door on me. I feel that I have the right to know where my elderly mother is, and think that it would be best for her to maintain a healthy relationship with me, as we have had over the years. By keeping us apart, my sister is in effect abusing our mother and is certainly violating any trust that might have been granted to her.

Please let me know what you think about this situation. I simply want to see and be in touch with my mother once again. What can I do?

Answer: If you are concerned about the health and safety of your mother and believe that she might be being abused, you can contact Adult Protective Services at 832-5115. While they might not be able to share any specific details with you (such as where she is, etc.), they might be able to locate her, check on her status and see whether she is being abused by your sister.

If they find that she is being abused, they might work with you to find a secure and safe caregiver for her.