I have a tenant who is disabled (COPD, alcoholic, and heart issues (I think) I found out she is using the bathroom in an open bucket in her bedroom, has trash in her bed and hadn't showered in at least 6 months. She has no family or friends.
What can I do to help her? Is there an agency for this? My local APS will not take self neglect cases anymore. I'm in TN near Nashville and I fear she is going to get an very sick or hurt with nobody to help her
I have no idea how you can help. It’s a sad situation but it may be out of your control. I am so sorry that you are witnessing this.
Sorry if that came out wrong
what if you called 911 and said you fear she is a danger to herself and potentially others in the building, might leave the gas on, start a fire?
If they take her away then, do not answer any calls from the hospital or they might pressure you to come get her. I think that's as much as you can do. The hospitals are teaming with cases like hers so they might be desperate enough to discharge her. I'm so sorry, this is so distressing and I cannot believe APS won't help. This is as much as you can do.
If there is a Senior Center you can enquire there how to report. Many times the calls to the State hotline will eventually be routed to the local Senior Services Center.
Since you are a landlord in theory you could contact your local Health Department or Code Enforcement and report unhealthy conditions.
Some people are all alone in this world. Since she has no family to look out for her, it makes her situation worse.
I certainly hope that you will be able to find the appropriate help for this woman.
I imagine that if you do have to eventually evict her it will be a tough situation all around.
You could call the cops for a wellness check. Hopefully they will report her to the right agency. If all else fails, then go the eviction route if not paying her rent.
Do not do anymore than call the agencies. If she gets hospitalized you make it perfectly clear that you are just her landlord and you are taking no responsility for her. That means you do not pick her up to take home. As soon as she goes out those doors, the hospital has no responsibility for her. You have taken that on because you picked her up. You make sure they know there is no family or friend so no one to care for her if sent home.
If you find a way to get her help, update us. We learn from others.