My father has dementia and lives by his self. My sister who lives less than a mile away was stopping by a few times a week. She was put on his bank account so now it's a joint account. She is suppose to be using the money for his personal needs but has used it to pay off her condo and for other bills. My father does not have a clue what is going on. My father lives in a small condo and was seen wondering around so a neighbor called her and she went over and took him back to his condo then had someone reverse the lock so it could only be opened from the outside, so he was locked in. One day a neighbor called DCF because he was calling for help. When they arrived they called the police and they were going to arrest her but DCF said he appeared to be clean. They let her off but told her he cannot be left alone at any time. Instead of having him move in with her (she is single) she has someone go there 3 or 4 hour a day, and then she goes there but does not stay all day but sleeps there at night. She told someone that she will not put him in a nursing home because she will loose his money. I just found out what has been going on and all the lies she has told. I live In another state and am disabled. What can I do about getting my father the help he needs and stop her from spending every bit of his money?
I believe it is illegal to lock a person in a home, what if there was a fire, how would your Dad get out? I think it is time for Dad to have a higher level of care. He needs to sell his condo and use that money to live in Assisted Living, or apply for Medicaid if he needs around the clock care.
The police have apparently verified that locked-in situation, and other aspects, so they're reliable.
If you do consider guardianship, the issue of your own health would probably be a factor, as well as the fact that you were unaware and apparently not involved with your father's care for some time. I'm not blaming you, just suggesting that it could be a factor in whatever legal action you might take.
And given your disability, it doesn't seem likely that you would be able to care for him, so you're probably looking at a placement somewhere.
If there is another family member, besides the Sister you have concerns about, the judge would likely name them IF they want to be named. Otherwise court will likely appoint an outside guardian from a list of persons already vetted by the court & state to be a guardian. Court appointed guardian can but does not have to consult with family regarding their care or finances. But if there have been improprieties by Sissy with dad, they will be able to do things -like file charges for abuse or theft - much more easier than you ever could.