Elderly father about to lose his condo to the board because his filth. What type counsel or other avenue would you suggest to deal with this?

Ues, I'd call APS and tell them that he's a vulnerable elder, in danger of becoming homeless. Send them pictures, or describe as you did to us.

Ues, I'd call APS and tell them that he's a vulnerable elder, in danger of becoming homeless. Send them pictures, or describe as you did to us.

Thank you so much, all of you, for providing me some direction. He does have the ability to pay for things, he would probably willingly hire an attorney, but he's stubborn and arrogant and would never allow me to tell him he needs to see a doctor nor would he put me in charge of anything. The place is beyond cleaning and every single item needs to be thrown out, even a remodel is necessary because odor and bugs have been absorbed by every cabinet in the unit, old fridge doesn't even close, etc. Any thoughts on possibly having the social worker visit once again now that he's absolutely in danger of losing his home(condo paid in full), maybe she would have the ability to get him evaluated and provide a Guardian to secure his assets before he loses everything. I would so appreciate some more thoughts on this.

Now that there is a lawsuit you need to respond. You need to get him an attorney preferably elder law or family law but because this has to do with real estate, a real estate attorney may be your best bet to slow things down against the board. Does he have money to pay for an attorney? Is he still with it enough for you to get him to sign a durable power of attorney?

I agree that you need to get him out of the apartment and hire a professional cleaning service this week and make plans this week. Do not communicate with the board directly because it's gone beyond that. You need to work through an attorney.

Can you get him to see a psychiatrist? I would send the doctor in question pictures of the condition of his condo in advance.

Sandbarhopper1,
It's often not possible for a social worker to speak with someone for a few minutes and determine what kind of issues they may have, if they have cognitive decline, depression, etc. I'd focus on getting him properly evaluated, which could be a challenge if he refuses. You might be able to use the pending legal action as leverage to get him properly evaluated. I'd try to find a geriatric primary doctor, as well as a neurologist who focuses on Alzheimers and dementia. A geriatric psychiatrist might also be a good option. The primary may be able to give you guidance, since your dad's inability to maintain his household is causing severe consequences.

I'm not sure if he has appointed a Durable POA or Healthcare POA, but, is he competent to do so now? If he's not, then I'd also ask the attorney about Guardianship. If someone is appointed Guardian, they can take over the decision making and deal with the legal matter that best protects dad, since he may not be capable of doing that now.

I'd ask the attorney what evidence you need, how the process works, etc. In some jurisdictions, a major factor in a competence proceeding is whether the person is able to properly operate their own household. It doesn't sound like he's able to do that.

Thanks Gladimhere and Katiekate, this is a good start.

Dear Sunnygirl, I would definitely say there's something wrong with him mentally, for many reasons, but the condo board even called family services on him a couple years ago and the case worker found him to be ok and closed the file. I don't have good relations with him and probably have to seek some sort of legal advice to protect family interests even from him, what type counsel or other avenue would you suggest?

It sounds like something is not right with him. Does he have a diagnosis?

I might use this as an opportunity to find a more suitable place for him. I'd also seek legal counsel and explore the options.

This might be a good opportunity. If dad has no idea what having a sanitary condo is, then, I'd be concerned that he's not capable of living alone. Maybe, he needs therapy, counseling or perhaps supervised care. So, I'm not sure if putting a band aid on the matter would help long term.

Purchase a couple of "bunny suits". And a respirator.

Deep messes that have attracted attention for years are going to be seriously bad as you reach the bottom.....even the air quality is probably bad for your health!

Make sure the HOA is fully aware of the plan...they will need to approve the dumpster to sit while it is filled.

Get him out of there fora few days. Hire a cleaning company to do the cleaning. It will also require a family member to do the sorting and tossing. I was only able to sort and toss when mom was not there.