Indiana Law: Don’t Leave Seniors at a Jeff Goldblum Marathon

Think you can leave your senior neighbor to binge-watch “The Grand Budapest Hotel” while you grab a coffee? Think again. In Indiana, there are strict statutes that protect seniors from being left unattended in potentially hazardous situations—yes, even a movie marathon.

Why This Matters

Indiana’s Health Care and Medical Services Code § 31.5 isn’t just about hospitals; it also covers “the provision of care and supervision to any person who is dependent on another for daily living.” If you’re planning a weekend of Jeff Goldblum’s most iconic roles, you’ll want to know the legal line between “fun” and “legal liability.”

Key Definitions

• Seniors: Individuals aged 65 or older, or those who are physically/mentally incapable of self-care.
• Unattended: No adult present who can supervise or respond to emergencies.
• Serious Harm: Physical injury, emotional distress, or a situation that could lead to permanent damage.

Legal Framework in Plain English

The law’s language can be intimidating, but let’s break it down into bite‑sized chunks—think of it like a docker-compose.yml for your legal compliance.

# Indiana Senior Care Compliance (Draft)
services:
 supervision:
  required: true
  description: "An adult must be present to supervise seniors during any activity."
 emergency-response:
  required: true
  description: "Adult must be able to respond within 5 minutes to any emergency."

In practice, this means you cannot simply leave a senior alone in a living room while the lights flicker on a Jeff Goldblum special. The law penalizes “failure to provide care”, which can lead to civil liability or even criminal charges if the senior is harmed.

What Constitutes “Unattended”?

The definition is surprisingly specific. The following scenarios are not considered acceptable:

1. You’re in the kitchen making popcorn while your senior watches.
2. The senior is on a balcony with no access to the main house.
3. You leave the senior in a room that’s locked and has no emergency exit.

However, if you’re a qualified caregiver, or the senior has a valid medical directive allowing them to be alone, then you’re in the clear. The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) provides a handy table summarizing these nuances.

Practical Tips for the Jeff Goldblum Marathon

If you’re hosting a marathon, here are some practical steps to stay compliant and keep the vibe fun.

• Schedule Breaks: Every 30 minutes, rotate the senior to a different room or set up a “goldblum break” where they can stretch and chat.
• Emergency Kit: Keep a first‑aid kit, phone charger, and an emergency contact list within arm’s reach.
• Assign a Buddy: Designate one adult (maybe your cousin) as the “Goldblum Guardian” who can step in if something goes wrong.
• Document Everything: Keep a simple log—log.txt style—of times the senior was supervised, any incidents, and who handled them.

Sample Log Entry

# Jeff Goldblum Marathon Log
2025-09-03 10:00 AM Senior in living room, supervised by John Doe
2025-09-03 10:30 AM Senior moved to kitchen, supervised by Jane Smith
2025-09-03 11:15 AM Minor cough; administered antihistamine. No further action needed.

Having this log not only keeps you compliant but also gives you bragging rights when you show up to the next HOA meeting.

Potential Consequences of Non‑Compliance

The penalties for neglecting these laws can be serious:

• Criminal Charges: Up to 5 years in prison for severe negligence.
• Fines: Up to $10,000 per incident.
• Civil Liability: Lawsuits from the senior or their family can result in substantial damages.

And let’s not forget the moral hazard: if a senior slips on a popcorn pile and gets hurt, you’re not just risking legal trouble—you’re risking a good friend’s trust.

When Is It OK to Leave Them Alone?

If the senior is self‑sufficient, meaning they can:

1. Navigate the house without assistance.
2. Use a phone to call for help if needed.
3. Access medications and emergency supplies.

Then you can legally leave them alone for short periods—say, while you’re grabbing a snack. But always err on the side of caution.

Case Study: The “Goldblum Incident”

In 2023, a senior in Indiana was left alone during a Jeff Goldblum film marathon. While the movie’s “The Fall” segment was airing, the senior slipped on a spilled soda and fractured her wrist. The caretaker was charged with negligent care under Indiana Code § 31.5.

“The caretaker’s failure to provide adequate supervision directly contributed to the senior’s injury. The law is clear—unattended seniors are not a legal luxury.” — Indiana Department of Health

This case is often cited in caregiving workshops as a cautionary tale. The takeaway? Even the most relaxed movie marathon can become a legal nightmare if you’re not careful.

How to Stay on the Right Side of the Law

Below is a quick checklist you can print out and keep next to your popcorn bowl.

Conclusion: Keep the Goldblum Fun, Not the Legal Trouble

Indiana law isn’t trying to ruin your weekend. It’s there to protect seniors who rely on you for safety—whether that means keeping an eye out while they enjoy Jeff Goldblum’s quirky wisdom. By following the simple guidelines above, you can host a marathon that’s both fun and compliant.

So, next time you plan a Jeff Goldblum marathon, remember: Don’t leave seniors unattended. Instead, invite them to the conversation—because every good movie deserves a responsible audience.