Chapter 6 - The assessment
Hearthstone called me back Wednesday.
Not because Carla authorized disclosure.
Because their compliance officer reviewed my complaint and discovered something concerning.
The planning file identified the prospective resident as:
Ernest Dalton, age 70.
Me.
The employee could disclose limited information relevant to a disputed payment and potential misuse of financial information.
Full file required legal process or client authorization.
I asked:
“Who requested the assessment?”
“Carla Dalton.”
“Did I attend?”
“No.”
“Was I interviewed?”
“No.”
“Did someone represent that I had agreed?”
Pause.
Then:
“The intake form indicates family planning prior to discussion with the prospective resident.”
Not illegal.
Families research senior living all the time.
Then she said:
“There is a note indicating the family expected resistance.”
My stomach turned.
“What kind of resistance?”
“I can’t give you the entire narrative.”
“Was I described as incompetent?”
Another pause.
“The form references concerns about memory and financial judgment.”
I closed my eyes.
I forgot names sometimes.
Walked into rooms and forgot why.
Once paid the water bill twice.
Seventy.
Not dementia.
Had anyone asked my doctor?
No.
I asked:
“Was a facility selected?”
“I can confirm a reservation inquiry was made, but no legal admission documents were completed.”
“Where?”
“I can’t disclose that without authorization.”
I called Dan immediately.
He said:
“Still not a kidnapping.”
“I know.”
“Say it.”
“Still not a kidnapping.”
“Good.”
I hated him.
Then:
“But we need to know what representations they made about your capacity.”
That was the real issue.
May you like
Not whether they preferred assisted living.
Whether they had begun describing me as unable to decide for myself.
