This is the answer from my friend who owns her own eldercare business:

Hmmm….. if the elderly person is not competent/ vulnerable, etc., and they are being given some additional substance, I'd call Adult Protective Services, and get them involved. (My license requires that I report anything like this)

This can take many forms, but it could eventually remove the person from their current environment, place them in a more protective situation, etc. Guardianship can also evolve, and this would entail appointing an attorney for the client, to represent him/her alone. APS can also bring in the police, etc.

Hope that is helpful. Each jurisdiction has an Adult Protective Services Program, under the Department of Social Services in the county.

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gims,
I just saw this. Play it cool. Don't let the evildoer suspect
you suspect anything. I made that mistake and blew up before I
thought it through. Get evidence. Get witnesses. Have someone
in authority set a trap and video tape whatever is going on.
Proof you need proof. Or else the evildoer will spin everything
around on you.

This is just awful Gims. But Jabber is correct, you need absolute proof as it will come down to her word over yours. Once you have proof go to the authorities but say nothing to the perpetrator or she'll try and cover her tracks.

I'm doing as jabber said, playing it cool, while gathering info. I want to be sure of the facts before I make a move. As for the visit Thursday, I didn't feel it necessary to take immediate... that is after I took a few steps to make my mom feel and look better.
It's not over, not by a long shot. Thanks chatty and jabber for adding your thoughts...

Welcome! Stay cool! Be aware! Stay ahead of the curve, my friend!

gims -- you're on the right path, for sure. Things can only go better for you.

Dotsie -- Your friend's advice does _not_ sound like something we'd do -- calling adult protective services which might eventually get mom removed from her home? She IS competent, which is part of the problem. Except she's old, feeble and can't see very well (or hear for that matter).

Rather, judging from the other stories on here, I think the problem is systemic -- i.e., this is the American way of dealing with the elderly -- and we'd better see that it changes before we're all in that category!!!! Over-medicate, keep them pliable, quiet and hidden. It's a terrible shame. Those institutions need to serve healthy, fresh, nutritious food (which they often don't). And yeah, for that kind of money, someone should be delivering bottles of water daily to everyone, just to make sure they're getting enough.

AND, THIS PI22E2 ME OFF! They are still human beings!

If what C. theorists claim is coming down the pike, we needn't worry, DJ. Ailing elderly, along with less than perfect others, will be the first to be X-terminated. Note: #7 or 8 (of 13) of the following. (Make sure to catch #11, also.)
For those who have not seen this, and choose to watch, please be WARNED - some of the graphics will hurt. Whether it is entirely true, or not, it's a good idea to watch the whole thing... if for nothing else but information. It may make you think twice when making plans for the future.

Gims, I would make an appointment with an internist in another town. Bring the list of medication she takes and not mention any of your suspicions, so you won't influence him. It is very possible that her medication dosage has to be changed every once in a while. Hopefully that is the reason.

I would also speak to other families that have their parents there. Just hear them out and not tell them of your own suspicions.

Make sure the doctor is a gerontologist because medications act differently in the elderly.