So, my sibling has been guardian of my father (dementia) for over a year and I am finding out that he has done many things that are not right and some may actually be illegal! My stepmom died in December of 2023, leaving my dad alone with dementia! I know there were wills and I was named as executor, but they disappeared by the time I got to the house the next day! In fact, every document that I knew was in the office, was gone! This was also the day my sibling told me that there was no way I was going to be in charge! This is the same person who hasn’t been to their house for 30 years and told my dad that he didn’t want his money! He also kept me and my family from seeing my dad for over a year! Cut to today where I am at my fathers house taking care of him!
I have found that valuable items: computers, Thumb Drives, 2 vehicles and much more have been removed from this property and some already sold! Two other siblings have told me that the guardian told them that he burnt 2 wills dating back to the 70’s and I was the named executor! They are willing to testify in court! There were also some stocks sold, without approval from the judge or notification to the heirs. Now, cameras have been placed outside the home, “ for safety and security” for when my dad starts wandering. But, I can’t get access to them! If dad goes out I have to call the guardian and have him check the cameras so he can tell me where dad went🤦🏻♀️ Just found out that the Cameras have Audio too! My sister and I, caretakers, were unaware and we never agreed to this! In PA, it’s a two party system and it’s a felony! What would you do? Please don’t tell me to get a lawyer, I’ve tried with no success, besides the fact that my husband and I are currently living in a hotel room and have been since we lost our housing almost a year ago!
Well, I filed the Petition asking that the Judge discharge the guardian on 5/15/25! The guardian (brother) has retaliated by not supplying food for my sister and I. Instead of what I normally order weekly, he is now only sending enough food for Dad only! I ordered 4 Pot Pies, we got 1 pot pie! I normally order 3 loaves of bread, he only sent one! My dad sometimes makes sandwiches for himself🤦🏻♀️ This man is evil and I hope that the Judge sees that!
Thank you all for your help! I’ll update if anything actually happens.
If he is court appt, he cannot do what he has done. He has to report to the State yearly about Dads finances and how they are used for his care. Wills are filed with the Lawyer who wrote them. Yes, you need a lawyer.
In a guardianship, the court is primarily responsible for checking on the guardian to ensure they are fulfilling their duties in the best interest of the person under guardianship. The court can investigate, review financial accountings, and issue orders to the guardian as needed. Additionally, the person under guardianship or any interested party can request court intervention.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Court Oversight:
The court has the authority to oversee the guardianship and can direct the guardian, remove them, or end the guardianship if it's determined to be in the best interest of the person.
Investigations:
The court can order an investigation into the guardianship, where a court investigator will assess the situation and make recommendations to the court.
Accountings:
Guardians of the estate are required to provide regular financial accountings to the court.
Court Orders:
The court can issue orders to the guardian, such as ordering them to enter into specific transactions or prohibiting certain actions.
Interested Parties:
The person under guardianship, their parents, or other interested parties can request that the court review the guardianship or issue orders.
A prayer has been said for you and your situation!
Seek help from the authorities of your state. If APS investigates this and tells you that there is no help for it and that your father is in either the guardianship of another or of the state, then you will be freed to move on and take care of your work and housing issues. I wish you the very best.
Pennsylvania has a toll free 24/7 helpline to report suspected elder abuse:
(800) 490-8505
This number connects you to the Pennsylvania Department of Aging’s protective services, where you can report concerns about abuse, neglect, exploitation, or abandonment of older adults, whether they live at home or in a care facility. Reports can be made anonymously, and callers are protected from retaliation and legal liability.
I hope this helps. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Your father deserves to be safe and well cared for.
For people in other states: You can call the Eldercare Locator at:
800-677-1116. It’s a free national service that can connect you to Adult Protective Services based on your zip code.
If there is a Senior Service or Area Agency on Aging you can also talk to a Social Worker there and report the abuse.
I am sure you will get a few others that will post more information, suggestions for you