Posted on 09/13/2022 11:57:05 AM PDT by enraged
Some may remember my story of my elderly neighbor who fell in the bath and laid there for nearly 4 days before being rescued by EMS. Long story but my wife and I nursed him back and nearly 3 years later his recovery was surprising. Or so it seemed, I only had a short chats with him from time to time recently, I didn't sense the mental decline. He got picked up by the sheriff for driving erratically in a part of town he wouldn't seem to have any business in. Couldn't say where he was going, when he had eaten last, or where he was coming from. So they took him to the hospital and he's been there for almost 4 months. I've gone to see him several times and he has basically lost his marbles and will never return to his house to live there again. So here's the question....
I've been mowing his lawn, or more like weeds, getting his mail, turning on and off a few lights just to make it look like someone is home. We have bums slowly working their way into our area and a few camps have popped up. I'm worried about break ins, or squatters taking over. he has no family at all and his lawyer says no one has power of attorney to act on his behalf. So the house just sits there, bills unpaid, and I'm worried for his house.
Any tips or thoughts on how to keep the property secure? To me it seems like putting up no trespassing signs is just an invite. We are county only and the sheriff rolls thru once in a while but not every day. I could park my truck over there from time to time.
Need some help taking care of an old soldier's home. Any thoughts are appreciated.
If nothing else, I’d suggest running this past the lawyer to see what he says.
For the property... Get internet, add a “Simply Safe” system with a ring doorbell. Give yourself the ability to monitor it remotely. Add some “smart lights” to each of the rooms and you can turn them off and on from your home or set up a routine so it looks like someone moves from room to room. Maybe a radio or two. No one will know you aren’t in the house and if anyone knocks and asks you come to the door tell them you won’t because “COVID” and to leave anything they have at the door. You can also get an LED TV light simulator AND even a dog barking simulator.
As for legality of “taking care” of anything else? No idea.
IMO Warren's family needs to get involved and make some kind of arrangements for his round-the-clock care.
Wish that was possible. He has no living relatives. Never married. No kids.
Legal guardian...the probate court will appoint one. By far not the best scenario,but the alternative could be dying in his own feces (I’ve seen it...worked in health care for decades).
You are a wonderful friend and neighbor to be doing what you are doing. Have no advice to give you as far as legalities go, but I just wanted to say it really touched me for what you [and your wife] have done to help Warren. Best of luck getting legal advice on what else you can do. In todays world with so much upheaval, it’s nice to read about somebody doing good deeds....without being asked. God Bless both you and your wife. Prayers for Warren.
https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/3729732/posts
Original story.
Update. All his family is gone now.
Thank you all for the kind words and suggestions
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