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There is a shareholder in my building who is becoming increasingly emotionally erratic. I would very much like to hear from board members and anyone else who has had to deal with this situation directly. Specifically, what did you find was the best course of action, what social services are available, what are our legal liabilities and responsibilities, to what level does ADA play a role, etc.
For privacy concerns I won't post any details of our particular situation on the forum. I can be reached directly at steven424 [at] earthlink [dot] net
Thanks in advance for all constructive suggestions and leads.
Call your Board Attorney. You are extremely limited as to what you can do. Only the Police can enter their premises unless there is an emergency as defined by your Bylaws. Being concerned and helpful is fraught with real liability. You need an objective assessment of the issues, a situation entry plan, goals, and an exit plan all with alot of very cogent contingency and 'plan B's'. The court is very protective of seniors and the possibly ill. If they don't have 'willing' family to intervene, you could wind up on the wrong end of being right. Just because you think think their behavior is a problem doesn't mean they don't think its you. They are very possibly in a good position to hire a lawyer. Which can easily wind up at your expense! Don't email each other, meet and talk. Meet with your property manager and lawyer, in person.
Actually, there's a lot you can do. This article is about aging residents primarily, but also talks about hoarders and other mentally disabled residents
http://www.habitatmag.com/Publication-Content/2008/2008-May/Featured-Articles-from-Our-Print-Magazine/Adjusting-as-Residents-Grow-Old-and-Infirm
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We had one sponsor tenant and one owner who had 'issues'. In a way, we were lucky, no one was injured because of the occupants. The owner was dropping bricks down the stairway, the other would just bang the steam risers whenever she heard dogs barking, loud tv's, etc.
We called the NYPD on the brick dropper, they took him away via ambulance and after psych evaluation, he moved out, I think due to his family being contacted.
The woman hadn't been seen for a period of time, we were concerned that she was dead, and called NYPD. After trying to view the apt via the fire escapes, knocking on the door, calling her name to no avail, we drilled the lock and entered the apt. We found her sitting on her sofa, fully alert. She just 'didn't feel like responding' to the police, or anyone else. They made a report to social services, and after their follow-up, they located a son who took her out of the building and placed her in a nursing home.
I would suggest calling 911 for NYPD, if there is something visibly wrong. Thyey will call for an ambulance if they feel it's needed. The person may be off their medications, or having other health issues which can be evaluated best in a medical facility. They can also contact family members, if they can be identifed and located. In my building, we request emergency contact info from everyone that moves in, and try to update it annually.
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