VB000
Agree - I really sympathise with all the health problems that the OP had, but mentioning Covid as a reason not to visit would not be accepted in a court of law. In summer 2021, my neighbours had a wedding reception for 80 guests, so surely the OP or her husband/son could have visited then, if not before, or made arrangements?
I agree she may have had problems travelling, but feel sure that she would have mentioned it!
Care homes round here are £5-6k a month, something to bear in mind as well!
Me too.
But upon hearing that DM could not cope it would have been the right thing to phone Social Services and ask them to assess her so she could get the right help. That way, OP could have been available by phone to support and advise. It might have prevented the neighbour realising there was a crisis and stepping in.
Although, it is always easier to look back with hindsight, isn't it.
I still think it would be a good idea to get Social Services to do an Assessment of Needs for Mother to see what care she actually needs and make sure it's put in place. The neighbour's help may not be appropriate if it was assessed that she needed more help? I do also think OP could do with a Needs Assessment from Social Services to make sure she is getting all the care she needs and any other help she may be entitled to.