Here is a story and would like to hear what people think would happen:
Dad is diagnost with mild dementia, he is in his 80's, alone, windowed, depressed about it. He has no license, because it was revoked. He forgets to take his meds and forgets to eat, he get sick because of not taking his meds and ends up in the hospital. Or even worse, he falls and breaks a hip. If the local Social Service agency gets involve can they force him into a home ?
I have seen some posts on this, but I've not seen a definitive answer. I realize that maybe every case is different ? But I'd like to hear what the thoughts are ? My dad swears up and down "I'm not going in a home and that's my choice they can't make me." But really, can they ?
If you are pushed out by dad...which he has right to do, then you or someone else could call APS of family services and they will investigate. They will minimally just make a phone call to dad and tell him services they can set up to keep him in his home but assist with welbeing. They may visit him in the house, ask questions, look around and observe his behavior. If the house is in order, he has his wits about him, they will offer some services. He can refuse the services and they will let it go and legally cannot force him into NH or other care. Unless he is found incompetent or incapable of making decisions or caring for himself and is in imminent danger...they can't do anything. If he is incompetent or living in squalor, then they would go to court, have him evaluated by couple drs and then they would place him if you refused to care for him. You might be able to still act as POA but likely will need your own lawyer.
Example: This is how he lived prior to me moving in and after he lost his license: get up 10-11 am, have coffee, go back to bed, etc etc, basically never leave the couch (yes he sleeps on a couch) won't sleep in the bed he slept in with he's wife after her passing, he pays his bills as needed. When his monthly income accumulated in his account, he would withdraw the excess and put it back into his investments. He never spends a dime, even if it was for a moment of fun. He told me that I was wrong for buying a ticket for a concert for $120, 11 row center. I had a great time and to me, worth every bit. Image he would have heart attack if I told him I waited 20 minutes for a $8 beer. LOL
There are no pat answers, it depends upon the situation. Obviously your dad has family who cares about him (you). Are you thinking he needs to be placed in a nursing home?
If you withdraw your support and walk away from your dad, yes, the state can step in and "make" him to into a nursing home. If your dad is living in a house I don't know how that's handled but I'm sure there's protocol for that situation.
It is up to the family to take some action, not the government.
Why aren't you do anything? You need to discuss this with family and someone is going to have to step up to the plate and either move in with dad for the time being, have dad move in with them, or hire a caregiver or two who can check up on him daily. Is he still driving even though his license is revoked? Because how is getting groceries?
The family needs to step in.