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Been trying to see my dad with my family. Brother refuses to let us speak and see him. Dads long term friends cannot see or speak with him as well. I believe dad is being taking advantage of in his weakened state

APS is useless and will give me no info

Went to guardianship 2 years ago and judge did not listen to anything and court evaluator did nothing as well

What can I do now. I believe isolation is taking place and I have proof that brother is stealing dads money

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Thanks you all for your help. I will continue to call all numbers

Why doesn't law enforcement and APS understand that when someone is being isolated from family members and long term friends including clergy something is wrong

In my opinion it's about the money. Me and my family have always had a great relationship with dad and only until he got sick and brother moved him into his house everything became crazy

Now brother is buyin large ticket items and probably saying it is in dad best interest. Brother also says dad does not want to see long term friends and family. Anyone can tell dad is very sick. When I saw dad 2 years ago he could not take care of himself personally and financially

The system is broken, and it its really scarey how people can take advantage of elderly people

i will not give up, my dad deserves better, though I really believe now my efforts are useless

One great thought I got from a friend, go back to court and just ask for visitation rights for my family. This sounds simple but the court system in my experience in very broken as well
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Msmith, I am stunned reading your question. I cannot fathom why your brother is doing this, unless he is up to no good and is a controlling, mean person. Isolating a person from family and friends is one of the largest RED flags of an abuser, why the authorities don't see this is shocking. Of course, I'm assuming you are not a bad person...but then not everyone could be bad and your brother is refusing everyone access to your dad. I, too, would be very concerned. Has anyone seen your dad lately? If so, can they confirm that there is no physical abuse going on? Wow, what a sad situation. I think I would hire a private investigator as someone else suggested you do need proof. Has your brother given you or any of dad's friends a reason why they can never see him? Brinoz you have been great with the information you have made available! You said that dad has ALZ, so does my mom and usually seeing friends and family is good for these patients so that would be a flimsy excuse. This is so sad and scary. I will say a prayer for you and your dad and I'm sending you mega-hugs. Linda
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Don't give up. Keep calling until you get the person who will help. They is someone out there that will listen to you.
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The national Eldercare Locator, a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging, exists to connect you with services for older adults and their families. You can call toll-free at 1-800-677-1116 from Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm ET.
If you suspect elder abuse of a loved one, call the protective services agency in the state where your loved one lives.
2nd andswer: The Elder Abuse Unit of the New York County District Attorney's Office addresses the needs and concerns of older crime victims who live in Manhattan. In cooperation with the New York City Police Department, Adult Protective Services (“APS”), the New York City Department for the Aging, medical professionals and social service agencies, the Office investigates and prosecutes all kinds of crime involving elderly victims.
What is Elder Abuse?

This Office defines elder abuse as any crime or violation involving a victim who is 60 years of age or older. Examples of typical crimes committed against the elderly include:

Domestic abuse or neglect at the hands of a family member or caregiver;
Financial exploitation committed by a family member or relative, home aide, stranger or “professional;”
Abuse of a power of attorney by someone entrusted to act as a fiduciary;
Virtual eviction by drug dealers who haven’t taken over an elderly person's residence or building

How to get help:

If you are a senior who has been the victim of a crime, or you know a senior citizen who has been abused or exploited, please contact the New York County District Attorney's Office Elder Abuse Unit at 212-335-9007.
The services we provide include:

Investigation and prosecution of crimes against the elderly, including physical abuse and financial exploitation;
Assistance in obtaining an Order of Protection and emergency housing, in appropriate cases;
A consultation with the Elder Abuse Unit Coordinator in order to determine whether a criminal investigation and prosecution is warranted;
Social service referrals to agencies that provide a variety of services to seniors;
Review by the Narcotics Eviction Program for possible evictions of drug dealers from a senior's residential or commercial premises

Important Telephone Numbers
Manhattan District Attorney’s Office Elder Abuse Unit 212-335-8920
NYC Adult Protective Services (“APS”) 212-630-1853
NYC Department for the Aging Elderly Crime Victims’ Program 212-442-3103
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New York State Office of Children and Family Services
Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor | Roberto Velez, Acting Commissioner
NEW PHONE NUMBER MAKES SERVICES FOR VULNERABLE ADULTS MORE ACCESSIBLE TO NEW YORKERS

Callers should dial 1-844-697-3505 for information about adult services. The phone lines are open Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Callers are encouraged to provide their names and telephone numbers so local departments can follow up, but anonymous calls are also accepted. By law, anyone who makes a report of abuse or neglect to APS in good faith is immune from civil liability. Information reported to APS, and information obtained by APS in the course of investigation, is confidential and can be disclosed only in accordance with specific exceptions stated in law.

2nd answer: 1-800-342-3009 (Toll free in New York) - Press Option 6

More Information New York Protective Services for Adults
1-888-201-4563
E-Mail: nhintake@health.state.ny.us
ADULT CARE HOME COMPLAINTS 866-893-6772
More Information
New York State Department of Health
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Msmith, I know exactly how you feel not getting anyone to really listen. My 1/2 brother did the same things your brother is doing, but, now my mother is dead so I can't do anything about it. Good Luck to you in getting help before it's too late.
Hugs to you, Laura
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Hi Brinoz, what is the phone number for the senior abuse hotline fo New York. Does that go back to APS. APS has not been helpful at all

Wouldn't you think they would think it is abuse isolates an elderly man with Alzheimers and proof that brother just purchased large ticket items, never purchased before by him
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If your brother is spending money on himself as POA, then he is breaking the law. Keep pushing, don't give up. Contact every agency you can find. I am POA and my sister keeps accusing my of being a thief, This is after she wrote herself a $3,000 check. I took her name off the signature card and turned all the financial information over to my Attorney. He send all 3 sibs a letter that he would be getting all the bank statements and sending a monthly statement of how the money is being spent. By the way, I have lived with Mom for 3 years for no pay. There is quite a lot of money on the line and they just can't wait to get their greedy little hands on it. But, I wanted out of the loop so have my attorney dealing with everything. Now they can call him and leave me alone to care for mom.
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Have you called the Senior Abuse Hotline? They really do look into the situation. Sorry for your situation. Sibs can be so hurtful.
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Thank you for answer. To me it has never been about money. It's about seeing and being here for a dad that is dying from Alzheimers. Preventing grandkids and kids from seeking dad is just cruel and uncalled for

I believe that APS and law enforcement is so overwhelmed they don't look at everything

So the elderly and frail suffer from people that know how to abuse the system. My dads intent was never to be isolated from his friends and family and I believe he is being taken advantage of in his weakened state. How does a son just stand by and continue to let this happen, though I continue to try every day to see my dad and get him help
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Sometimes all you can do is all you can do. I can't fathom how a clear-cut case with clear evidence of malfeasance could be ignored, but I suppose it is not the first time it has happened.

Probably your brother has obtained incapacity letters and the POA is completely in force so that he is in fact legally making all decisions. I cannot think of any other avenue unless he can be removed as POA for cause and an eldercare attorney armed with the actual POA papers and the evidence you have presented to others could tell you if that is possible or not. If they say no, there is no chance of making that change, you've shot your wad and brother "wins..." hopefully that does not mean Dad "loses" in terms of getting decent care, and I sense that is the greatest concern you have; but if APS has already been involved and investigated, it may not be a totally bad care situation or bad enough for them to be forced to act at least. If you were counting on any kind of inheritance, definitely make alternate plans.
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Don't know who dads present dr is.
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Went to the DA they are not doing anything

Don't even know if dad is seeing señor who he is. Spoke with dr dad was seeing for 10
Years. His office called
My dad with no response

So frustrating. The problem is my brother controls who my father speak to. He says dad is fine though he is very sick with advanced alzheimers
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So, if there is no guardian, your father is apparently competent to do as he pleases. He can appoint anyone he likes as POA. He can leave your brother's house if he pleases.

Are you in contact with your dad's doctor? S/He can't tell you anything, but s/he can certainly listen to what you have to say. If you think that your father is being abused, financially or in any other way, that's who I would discuss it with. If you have proof of financial malfeasance , go to the DA.
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No guardian was appointed

Brother has POA
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You went to Guardianship court? Who is guardian?
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Thank you. House is in brother's name. No guardianship only brother has POA. Brother denying complete access for my family to see dad and also some of dad's long term friends have tried to see and speak with dad with no success

dont know what to do to help my dad
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Msmith, is the house owned in your brother's name or your Dad's or both? This information is available on the county assessor's website in many places. Also, the clerk and recorder in his county would have any deeds, or other documentation related to mortgages, purchase or transfer, etc. Before you assume that brother owns the house, check the official public records. There is plenty of misinformation on the web!

Is brother being paid to care for Dad? Medicaid regulations in many states permit transfer of the home to a family caregiver when they have provided medically necessary care for a period of two years. How long has brother cared for Dad?

The restriction on visiting may be in Dad's best interest. In my case if sibs visit or call especially late in the day, sundowning time, the contact really confuses my Mom and sometimes becomes agitation which is very difficult for everybody.
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Did the court appoint your brother guardian? A guardian can control who sees the person; POA does not have that authority. So first, what authority does your brother have? Guardian or POA?

Who is living in the house your brother bought?
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Thanks all for your help. When brother was letting me see dad I saw first hand that I believe dad was being taking advantage of in his weakened state. It was clear dad was very sick and in my opinion showing all signs of advanced alzheimers. The research I did about big purchases by my brother was easily researched on the web
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Msmith201077, since you have no communicate with your Dad, how do you know there is a lack of medical care, and other items you had mentioned? Or are you assuming these things are happening?

Curious how did you get a Deed to a house that your brother had purchased? A Deed normally is presented to the new owner at the time of Settlement when a house is purchased. Were you present at Settlement?

I believe there is more to this story when what is being told.
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Ok,something is not right. Did he purchase the house with Dad's money for Dad to live in? Maybe that is what makes it legally OK and non-prosecutable?
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My inlaws bought two new vehicles and a vacation condo in NH with my MIL's money, but they had POA so we were wasting our time trying to prevent any further "gifting" in MIL's name. Some people intend to take advantage from the get/go.... nothing you can do.
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I have proof that brother purchased a house in cash. I have the deed. Brother has threatened me if I show up in person. I have showed up in the past and no one would answer the door. Brother told no one should answer the door
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Thanks for your help. I have proof that brother has made big purchases in his name. Went to guardianship court 1.5 years ago and judge did not look at any financial or medical info. I have specific info that dad has advanced alzheimers
APS does nothing, they say dad is safe. They are not giving me any info. Why would brother refuse to let me or family see or speak with my dad. Why do I have proof that brother is making big purchases. The system has let my dad down, and I am frustrated. Isn't elder abuse about isolation, control, undue influence, lack of medical care, and forcing someone to give you ther money. This is what I believe is happening to my dad in his weakened state
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Do you have your own lawyer for this? POAs who fail in their responsibiltiies can be removed as POA - do you have the actual document to review against yoru evidence? If your evidence is becoming more convnicing, police reports could be made again, and you can demand to speak with a supervisor in Adult Protective. If you cannot prevent bad things form going on, it is not for want of trying, and if there is any blame to be placed it is #1 on your brother and #2 on your dad for trusting him to be a decent POA. You are not the first person who has been unable to intervene...so sorry this is happening to you and Dad!!
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What "proof" do you have that your brother is stealing your father's money? And what kind of "proof" do you have that your brother purchased these items with cash? Do you have the receipts of the purchases? You go from saying you have proof to saying you "believe" he is using your father's money. You can't "believe" that your brother used your father's money. You have to KNOW IT FOR A FACT & have documentation to prove it.

A POA does not give the right to take someone's money. A POA is for that person to take control of the finances when a person is no longer able to, to pay bills, buy food, medical expenses, etc. A POA can't take out a whole bunch of money & buy a car for themselves.

You don't give any other historical background about your brother & father. How did your brother end up as POA? Is your father living in his home or is your brother living in your father's home? If it were me, I'd go to the house unannounced, ring the doorbell & see what happens. Maybe your father will answer the door & invite you in.
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My 1/2 brother did the same thing. Now my mom is dead and all her money is gone. I didn't get to see her for 2 years. I know he killed her, but since the house was clean, a lazy cop told me, it didn't look like a crime scene. She died in July, and no one knew until September when he had not even paid the funeral home and had just left her there.
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What happens if you just show up at his door with a Christmas present for your dad?

Is your brother caring for dad in his home? Are you willing to take that on? Does dad have enough funds for his care going forward, or might he need Medicaid down the road. If the latter is the case, you might mention to your brother in the nicest possible way, that there will be a penalty period if there has been any "gifting" of large amounts of cash.
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Maybe a private investigator would have an idea. Other than that, all you have no proof and one must have facts not feelings that a crime has taken place.
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