We have an elderly woman living above us. I consider her to be abandoned, even though her daughter visits once in a while. Our neighbor is blind, cannot hear, and she can barely walk.
Recently she left hot water running and left the apartment. At the end of the day the fire alarm went off from the steam. She thought that the fire alarm was a noise in her hearing aid. She did not want to let us in to fix the situation. Two days ago she had her gas on, and she did not notice the smell. One of the residents said that in winter time, she has her gas running to warm up the apartment.
I am really concerned about our own safety, especially now, when we are expecting a child. In a case of a fire, I won't be able to jump out the window as fast as I could before. The landlord knows the situation. No one seems to care. Are there any social services that can help us? Or can we legally request to move to another apartment based on our safety concerns?
2007-10-18
14:30:09
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11 answers
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asked by
MissionSuccess
3
in
Politics & Government
➔ Law & Ethics
We do help her daily.
We walk her up the stairs, we are putting her dinner into microwave, we take her garbage, laundry up for her. We are doing more than enough. She is abandoned and unfortunately we can do so much for her.
2007-10-18
14:37:41 ·
update #1
there are services for the elderly in most cities. Check in your local yellow pages under senior centers and if they can't help they can point you in the right direction. This poor lonely soul needs some companionship. Maybe you could start visiting with her daily and that alone could help the situation out greatly
2007-10-18 14:35:13
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answer #1
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answered by KayKay 6
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Your land lord should be able to help you move to another apartment. That is the easiest solution. If they are a bum you may have to do a little pushing back. Anything which threatens your safety is something to go to court on. Although you would probable lose they would want to avoid court cost.
Getting help for the old woman is tricky. Even if she is physically disabled if she is still mentally competent then it is very hard to force help on someone, even if it is free. Your best chance is to talk the the daughter first and the social worker second. Make sure you express your concerns for the old ladies safety before you express concerns for yourself. If all fails then I would just find a new place to live.
2007-10-18 14:40:01
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answer #2
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answered by Anonymous
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Check the phone book for Adult Protection Services. They came out & talked with my Mom & told me she should be put into a home, she should not be living alone. I wouldn't wait to talk to the daughter, I would just call Senior Services or any of the Social Services in your area, tell them the problem. They can direct you to the proper people to speak with. I wouldn't wait for the daughter to do anything, she isn't going to & evidentily doesn't care, she has seen her Mom & knows her condition but has done nothing! Protect yourself & your neighbor lady, CALL some one ASAP! You sound like nice people, don't just leave this poor woman without trying to get her some help, even if you feel that you must move, you can still get her some help!
2007-10-18 14:58:36
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answer #3
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answered by geegee 6
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You will need to call her landlord and have them evict her...really because this is a danger to life and property. Put it in writing to the Landlord and have all the people sign it. I used to manage a complex and had a man like this, he would go off his rocker and harass people. I called Mental health and they sent the cops, they took him in...he was having a good day and they evaluated him, found him sane and he was right back. He enjoyed it. Then I called Social Services...they couldn't do anything because he wasn't hurting himself or not starving or not going without his needs being met. Mental Health finally told me after many calls to evict him and then call Social Services because then he would be an emergency case...no home and they would have to do something. They did and then moved him into a nursing home. Of course, I really didn't have to evict him, I only had to write the notice and then call them. So your landlord will have to do this to get her help...it is a tragedy to allow her to go on and the possibility of her killing all of you is not something you need to tolerate...tell the Landlord that you feel your health and well being is at stake and that you will have to take legal action if something isn't done. She has family. This man didn't So, maybe a call to the daughter will do something. Good luck. I will pary for you.
2007-10-18 14:45:17
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answer #4
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answered by MISS-MARY 6
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I think you need to call your local social services. They will arrange for an evaluation and provide her assistance or move her to a nursing home.They can get a court order if need be. Also, maybe talk to the daughter. She may not be aware of the situation.
Something must be done before she burns the house down and kills someone.
2007-10-18 14:36:10
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answer #5
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answered by Anonymous
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You could call the police for safety's sake and they could put her in touch with the proper state agencies. Or if your state has a dept of elderly affairs, you could call them or the United Way @ 2-1-1. This lady needs to be in a nursing home.
2007-10-18 14:38:02
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answer #6
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answered by ? 7
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You know it is not just for your safety but her safety too. I would definitely report these problems and see if you can get her some help. I am not sure who you contact. Maybe call your local courthouse and talk to the clerk of court. She/he should be able to find out that information for you. Good Luck and stay safe.
2007-10-18 14:43:02
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answer #7
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answered by Anonymous
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You could call social services, and request some help for the lady. Explain about the problems, and the accidents that have happened. Call the daughter and voice your concerns about her mothers welfare, maybe she will get some helpfor her. There are assisted living apts for people with problems.
2007-10-18 14:41:39
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answer #8
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answered by LIPPIE 7
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It sounds to me like she really shouldn't be living alone. I would talk to her daughter when she comes to visit. The landlord should be able to evict her due to her being a safety hazard. After all he would be responsible for any damages incurred. This is so sad! I think it probably happens alot. Why don't people revere their elders and take care of them when they can't take care of themselves. I feel sorry for you being stuck in this situation but if it doesn't resolve, I would move and not put my family at risk! Good Luck!
2007-10-18 14:39:59
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answer #9
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answered by cookiemonster 5
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If she had a routine of opening them at precisely 8 or 8:30 and she had this routine for months. And one day she did not open them I would take notice. If I knew her I would make up an excuse to knock on her door. I would get the mail form the postman and knock on her door and say he delivered it my address, I thought I'd hand it o you. Or just go over and knock and say "are you alright" I would not say I was watching you open and close your blinds as a certain time.
2016-05-23 13:16:40
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answer #10
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answered by ? 3
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