As seniors age, managing a home can become overwhelming. And without support, it’s not uncommon for older adults in Colorado to be removed from their homes — sometimes suddenly and without warning.
In a recent case from Englewood, a 90-year-old man was forced out of his home. According to YouTuber Regan Benson and the man’s granddaughter, the property tested positive for “spots of meth,” but none was detected in the ventilation system. The granddaughter also mentioned that strangers frequently came and went from the house, where her mother also lived.
Now 24, the granddaughter explained that she and her brother were raised by their great-grandparents. She’s frustrated that no one in her family was informed about the investigation into her grandfather’s well-being.
On July 22, Benson addressed the Englewood City Council, saying, “This is a highly emotionally charged situation where I didn’t think it could get any worse in Englewood. Where is the serve and protect in this city?”
When Adult Protective Services Steps In
Situations like this are more common than many realize. When elderly homeowners struggle to maintain their properties — either due to unsanitary conditions, code violations, or neighbor complaints — Adult Protective Services (APS) may intervene.
APS steps in when an elderly person is believed to be neglecting their own health and safety, often due to age-related challenges. The agency may offer support such as home health care or cleaning assistance, but if the person refuses or lacks the mental capacity to agree, the situation can escalate. In such cases, APS may seek guardianship or arrange for nursing home placement.
In the Englewood case, Benson said the man’s home was eventually deemed unfit for habitation, and mounting liens for fines may cause him to lose the property. According to her, this all started with neighbor complaints.
APS in Colorado receives over 25,000 reports of mistreatment or self-neglect annually. Many involve elderly people living alone in worsening conditions. While not every case ends in removal, such forced transitions do occur — especially when cognitive decline or a lack of family support are involved.
The granddaughter said her grandfather recently passed a cognitive test, and no one has been charged with neglect. Benson believes APS acted illegally, but the agency won’t comment on specific cases.
Often, such removals fall under the category of “self-neglect” rather than “eviction” or “nuisance abatement.” Families may not push back, especially if they are estranged or unsure of their rights — and seniors may fear retaliation or simply not understand what’s happening.
The Hidden Risk Factors for Elders
According to the Colorado Department of Human Services, an “at-risk” adult is someone unable to meet essential needs or make sound decisions. Risk factors include:
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Dementia
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Chronic medical conditions
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Developmental disabilities
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Brain injuries
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Mental health or behavioral issues
About 51% of those helped by APS face multiple conditions, the agency reports.
While some elder removals begin with good intentions, like the Denver Human Services example of a neighbor calling in concern, not every case ends well.
Losing Everything Late in Life
The Englewood man’s granddaughter believes her grandfather’s nightmare began with a neighbor calling the police after her mother was seen vacuuming water from a flood. That visit led to a meth contamination test and ultimately to the man being removed from his home and placed in a nursing facility, which Benson says costs over $300 per day.
As a result, the man reportedly lost his Social Security and may lose his home.
“I know you worked your whole life to die in your own home,” Benson said in her video, “but too bad — you don’t get to do that.”
This case shines a light on a painful reality: as aging Coloradans face more housing struggles, many find themselves powerless — even in their final years.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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