Santa Barbara, CA asked in Elder Law for California

Q: What to do with Alzheimer's brother?

The last attorney informed me that my friend should try to get conservatorship over his brother in order to then formally request a state authority to take care of him. While my friend does not legally need to take care of his brother, they keep saying that he cannot drop him off at a hospital as he will be charged for neglect. My friend lives on very limited amount of money, in a tiny room in an apartment. Trying to get conservatorship would take a lot of time and money. Is there any attorney who has a realistic answer as to what to do with a brother who has Alzheimers and who cannot take care of himself, especially as the family member himself can barely take care of his own needs.

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: In California, obtaining conservatorship is often the advised legal route for gaining authority to make decisions for someone who is incapacitated, but it can be a time-consuming and expensive process. If immediate intervention is required, and conservatorship isn't feasible, you might explore emergency options such as contacting Adult Protective Services for an evaluation. While dropping off an incapacitated family member at a hospital without making proper arrangements could potentially expose one to neglect charges, state agencies or social services may be able to guide you to emergency resources or temporary solutions.

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