Where do I turn for the answer about being involved with a senior who I recognize has poor judgement?

I live with my man friend for two reasons I need to get myself financially back on track;and I don't know how much time my friend has left he's 77. I've been involved with him for 35 yrs. But now his behavior is recklace, petty thieving, selling merchandise to neighbors,leaving water running,range burner on,talks to anyone he feels he can sell goods to in the mall, he wont go to his adult children, I telephoned his pyschiatrist & pyschologist telling them what I see going on and they have not contacted me. I believe he has some dementia. i called in Elder abuse hotline and they refused to take a report told me to go to marriage counseling. I believe my friend doesn't realize he's putting himself in danger as well as me when he stepped out tonight across the street to sell stolen perfume carrying money in his pocket walking back to the apt. he comes home late at night goes out to the mall all day hustling. This type of behavior is not like him at this age. I jdon't know who to turn to?

Accepting Serious answers from adults who have personal experience living or caring for a older person otherwise don't be a smart alec and waste my time..

Get in touch with the Alzheimer's Association for your area. They have the experience dealing with mental aberrations, and if nothing else, can tell you what steps you have to go through to get your friend help.

It IS known that Alzheimer's CAN change the personality of (men especially) so much that they become violent and abusive.

Here's the actual Alzheimer's Society site for the U.K...
http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/

And here is a part of it that talks about unusual behaviour...
http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/Caring_for_...

Talk to a regular doctor, it sounds like the beginning stages of Alzheimers. There are some new meds out that can help. Second, who has power of attorney over your friend and who has a health care proxy? You are absolutely right, your friend is a danger to himself and to you.

I wonder if your county Social Services could not direct you into the proper channels? I see danger for him also do you think he should be admitted to a home? Find a Dr. that will admit him, maybe he is on a medication that your not aware of. I think your wonderful for taking care of him.

I can relate to what you are saying.While me husband isn't doing what your friend is,I still have the other problems with my hubby.He is only 68,and he floods the kitchen sink,or has the burner on too high and ruins the pots and pans..Smoke everywhere..leaves the perk on and it cracks the pot..after it is empty...I think this is just a start towards your problem...

you need to get him to the doctor regular doctor A.S.A.P. because he may have Alzhemier's and his shrink and pyshologist appearantly are too overworked or are neglecting his mental needs. I would call board that oversees those two doctors and have them investigated because since this is a major departure of his normal behavior. His leaving the burner on probably is not his fault, he probably turns it on to cook something and then forgets that he turned in on to begin with. If he is stealing stuff he may be suffering from a brain disorder that causes clipomania. Clipomaniacs can't help themselves and need help. I would seriously find out (or at least try to) if he has already been diagnosed with that disorder. If he takes medicine I would be concerned if he was still taking it. He may be forgetting to take it, I would watch him take it to make sure that he is or he may need to have his meds rechecked because incase they need to increase his.

You have recieved many wondeful answers and should act on them now, especially seeking other doctors advice.
Being that you are not married to him, could be the reason his pyschs. have NOT returned your calls etc. You are in a tough position for that very reason.
The sooner you can get help the better for him and you.
My prayers are with you.

Your friend is showing signs of dementia/Alzheimer's. You might want to call the Alzheimer's Assoc. 24/7 hotline. They are extremely helpful.

www.alz.org

or call/email the Family Caregiver Alliance

www.caregiver.org

Most likely he does not realize he is putting himself at risk. Does he need money? Is this why he is going to sell things at the mall? Or, is he just wanting to wander and have company? Getting to the root of the problem might be difficult as he is in his own reality now, which may be different from yours. Unfortunately, it will not improve, so start planning now for your future and his.

I have not read all the other answers yet. BUT I KNOW you can get immediate help if you call ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES. They will be at your side almost in an instant. I have worked with these people regarding seniors & they are good.
Good Luck to you. You are going to have your hands full. If you don't get him on the proper med he will have to go to a home. CALL them ASAP.

he is in some stage of dementia or Altzheimers...this is going to get much worse, he needs a keeper at this point. Sorry to be so glum, but you already know this. He needs to be placed in a home asap. You cannot care for him well enough.

I work at an Alzheimer's Facility and I know this is a difficult time for you. If you can get power of attorney to help him I suggest doing that not necessarily for finances but definitely for health. You might want to also talk to his children and see if they can help you with this situation. Many of my residents are great while in our facility but could never take care of themselves because they do lack judgement and could harm themselves. Good luck I hope you get the help you need.

you should go into writing as you are full of pooey poo poo.