I hope this wasn't a huge mistake...

[Hitler's Dick]

Originally Posted by Lucifer

Having MIL in there with a sprained ankle and no evidence of medical treatment raises the appearance of impropriety. Not cool.

Not to put too fine of a point on it, but at this point I'm pretty sure you have a legal duty to seek care for her or at least notify authorities. These laws are typically used in cases of neglect involving bed sores or pneumonia. But failing to seek care for an injury also qualifies.

If she actually is injured and not seeking care, that is an objective fact sufficient to suspect mental incompetence. If she is not injured and the whole thing is an act, that is also nutty enough for an impartial third party to reasonably suspect mental incompetence. Specific verifiable incidents and not just your opinion. Either way since she is under your roof I think you now have enough evidence in front of you to have a duty to seek care for the old bat. You may not see it that way but your local district attorney might take a different view. It does happen to folks just like you.

Your local cop shop has at least one guy who deals with elder protective services. I strongly suggest that you contact them for guidance. They will probably send an officer around to talk with you, her, and your wife as a first assessment. The elder protection folks routinely get reports on suspicious circumstances from places like banks and doctors offices. Stuff like repeated cash withdrawls, interesting bruises, or untreated past injuries. I suggest you at least go in and talk to them like, now. If you wait until they initiate proceedings it could be a lot more difficult to provide an acceptable explanation for why you didn't pick up the phone. They've seen it all and will probably be able to offer helpful advice. WTF, you pay for them. Might as well get your money's worth.