My father (72) has had 2 strokes resulting in aphasia, 3 different heart surgeries, and COPD from a lifetime of smoking. My mother (80) has fallen twice in the last 8 years with broken legs and shoulder, severe diabetes, chronic fatigue. There is an adult, somewhat impaired, grandson living with them. They're too old, fatigued for house cleaning so there is mountains of clutter and now bedbugs for last 2 years. Is there any help, advice, assistance at a low cost? I'm dying in my own anxiety and depression regarding their living conditions.
If no one has PoA for them (each one individually) AND they are NOT cognitively impaired, they get to make their own decisions about how and where they live and their medical care.
If someone does have PoA for them, then this person must now check the language in their document to see when their authority is activated. If it is "durable" then no diagnosis is required. "Springing" PoA usually means 1 or 2 diagnosis of impairment is required.
If no one has PoA for either of them AND they are in dire shape, then APS can be contacted and request a wellness check for them, identifying them as vulnerable adults. APS will pursue guardianship of them and place them in facilities (there is no guarantee they will be placed in the same facility). They will then be wards of the county and the assigned guardians will manage all their financial and medical affairs and no one else will be no transparency by others, even family, BUT family will still be allowed to interact with them socially as such. Just won't be making any decisions on their behalf (but it has been my experience that guardians do seek input from family before making some decisions for their wards).
This is such a distressing situation, I wish you much success in getting help for them.
I hope the county offices can help you and your parents as soon as you contact them.
I don't know what assistance might be available to your parents; it might depend on the financial situation. But the county officers should be able to address this, and if not, perhaps the state does.
You might want to prepare yourself for the question by authorities of whether or not you can step in and help, especially in temporary care for them while the house is being addressed, and/or if the house can't be, what short and long term plans might exist for their residency and care.
I feel really bad for your parents; no one should have to be in this situation.
. Please also check the state and local DOH standards. States have put all sorts of roadblocks for consumers and county by county guidelines concerning bedbugs, so social services and the adult protective service division is the better way to go.
Good luck
Have you been able to do anything yet?