My mother lives alone, but clearly shouldn't. She puts me down as emergency contact, but gives me no information. She changes doctors frequently when they mention dementia. I have been told that I face jail if they find my mother neglected. How do I protect myself and her if she is uncooperative? I feel like she is being taken advantage of and I feel helpless.
Your profile states nothing, about dementia or any other medical condition. But your post mentions dementia as an apparent reason why your mother doesn't continue seeing a particular doctor.
If your mother doesn't have dementia, or is still lucid and cognitive, she can execute powers of attorney authorizing you to handle finances and some medical decisions. Explore this avenue - it's cheaper and easier than going for guardianship.
And just WHO told you that you'd be held responsible and possibly face jail time for neglect? Was it a law enforcement authority, APS, an attorney or just someone who thought he or she had correct information.
"What would you advise me to do? Can you visit her and make an evaluation?" Hopefully they will visit her, and help you get the ball rolling. That will also alleviate your secondary concern, that you may be charged with neglect. Get the person's name and memorialize the conversation on your calendar or in your journal.
Good luck to you. You aren't alone with this frustration. Not at all.
Have you called Adult Protective Services in your community and discussed this?