If an elderly person cannot find the bathroom in a small 1 bdrm apt on visits each Sunday, does that sound like he is incompetent?

What kind of contract are you proposing he sign? Generally the person only has to demonstrate that they understand what they are signing at the time. Before preparing any documents a good lawyer will want to speak with the person privately to satisfy themselves that everything is understood and there is no undue influence.

That does sound like someone who could still be legally competent. Legally, a person is considered to be competent until a court has determined they are not competent. Many people in the early stages of Alzheimer's are still legally competent.

If you think he needs protection from entering into contracts, you might ask his doctor to evaluate his competency. Most doctors have forms for that. It might be a useful document to have if he enters into a contract that the family is concerned he may not have fully understood.

My FIL had Parkinson’s for years and successfully ran a family business before he contracted dementia and was no longer able to work. Just because he goes to adult daycare doesn’t mean he’s mentally incompetent. It just means that someone cares enough about him to want him to be safe and have social interactions. People with PD tend to fall. A lot.

And, I know from experience that even small apartments can be confusing. Doorways, and maybe a hallway with more doors. If I have “to go”, at my age, I want to know exactly which door to open. Short term memory loss doesn’t mean incompetence.

If he can't find the bathroom in a place he visits weekly, I would say there is something wrong. Parkinsons an Dementia go hand in hand. No, I would question him signing anything legal.

Non finding bathroom in place where someone visits regularly is disability.

Home mortgage closing documents. He received a setttlement from VA for injuries sustained in Korean War but because of undue influence of the wife he purchased a home under his veterans benefits with no money down, 30 year term, and he was 88. She forged a medical power of attorney and advance directive back in October/November 2015. Signed mortgage documents on 3-29-16. Not finding the bathroom was before power of attorney was forged.