A Hypothetical Question

This is a purely hypothetical question (possibly based upon real events): have any of y’all ever dealt with a situation where a resident of a COA/HOA/ROA/etc - through age, infirmity, or whatever - became a possible hazard to themselves or others? How did you handle it?

BillD

Bill

This came up in the association in which we reside. While the Association itself was not involved, concerned neighbors asked the City or the County for a "Welfare Check". Apparently there was no family.

Whichever agency performed the Welfare Check took it from there, they had the capability through the local codes and laws to have the lady moved to a care facility. I assume court orders resulted which provided access to her assets to pay for the care.

Ironically, the lady was a retired neurosurgeon suffering from alzheimer's/dementia type issues. Her home eventually was sold in a Sheriff's auction on the courthouse steps to satisfy outstanding liens. While it had not been updated since it was built in the mid-late 90's, someone got a very nice home for a very small amount of money.

Thanks, all! I’m (thankfully) not dealing with this kind of issue currently. But I gather it happens. A recent poster here intimated I that they might have shot someone who ‘forced’ their way into their home. I think it was probably hyperbole, but still it reminded me of a movie called _Enter The Void_{1}.

BillD

{1} If you’re in Japan and surrounded by police, *don’t* shout “I have a gun!”

Actually, that's not so hypothetical as you think. With the average age of the country in the 60s (and increasing) along with undiagnosed mental illness, substance abuse or a combination, This may be a situation more HOAs find themselves in.

it would be great if more people would look out for their neighbors, but we live in a society where people don't even bother to go across the street or next door to introduce themselves. And when things happen, they expect someone else to step in and so nothing gets done because everyone's standing around looking.

Generally, the action taken depends on what's going on. For exampke, if there's an elderly neighbor who's having more trouble caring for their home, encourage a neighbor to talk to them and help refer them to the department of aging that can connect them with programs that can help. Or if the person is wandering around trying to figure out where they live, despite being three doors down from their home, you can call adult protective services in your area. You can do this anonymously, but if you do (or leave your name), provide as much information as possible, starting with dates and times. If you know the person has adult children, you can contact them or call the non-emergency number of the police department and ask that an officer be sent for a wellness check.

You already know the answer to this if criminal activity is suspected - board members aren't cops, so homeowners should call 911 if a crime is in progress or the non-emergency number.

That said , you can Google "when to call po!ice" so people don't clog up 911 with stupid stuff ( e.g. people calling police when people of color are out living their lives like sitting in front of their own homes watching their children play). Yes, friends, that really happened and I read similar stories nearly every week -and as a person of color, I'm past tired of people jumping to conclusions.

That was very interesting and very well-written, thank you.

BillD

Academically speaking, these situations are interesting. Practically speaking, they can be a nightmare to resolve.

As CathyA3 pointed out, whether these folks are stuck with being inconvenienced to "reasonably accommodate" someone who may be disabled will depend on the details.

LetA, in other threads you related many of the details. I realize things have likely reached a point where this disabled person is causing safety problems.

Hi Bill,

Great question. I would, at least, report serious concerns over a person's well-being to your local police department on a non-emergency call. It's the proper thing to do if you think someone's cognitive abilities prevent them from self-care. It will never be the HOA's responsibility to "accommodate" a situation like this.