Legal Question in Medical Leave in Florida
Family Medical Leave Act...Mom
My Mom is terminal and lives with us. I started FMLA in April which ends 7-22-07. My Dad is 92 and also lives with us. Once the FMLA I am on for Mom is exhausted, can I get FMLA for caring for Dad? His memory is bad and he is very depressed over the situation with Mom and we feel he cannot be left alone. The Hospice team that comes in for Mom agrees with us on this. She was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis in April and after 10 days in the hospital, the physician gave her a prognosis of ''a couple of months''. This has been very hard on Dad and all of us. Thank you for your help. We live in Florida if that makes a difference and I have been at my job over 7 years.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Family Medical Leave Act...Mom
It is unlikely that you will be able to get an additional 12 weeks for your Dad. Under the FMLA, an employee is only entitled to 12 weeks leave within a one year period. If you would like to explore this further, go to www.dol.gov where you will find info on the FMLA. You can also call the Dept. of Labor and speak with someone. Perhaps you can work something out with your employer, such as taking an Administrative Leave if such a thing is available where you work. If you do this, make sure it is confirmed in writing.
Good luck.