Adult Protective Services asked Portsmouth police to check on a woman after a caller raised concerns that she may not be able to safely care for herself and had been left in poor living conditions.
According to the report, the caller said the woman had significant limitations and that her husband had left her in what the caller described as unlivable conditions.
Police responded, and Code Enforcement also came to the residence to assess the home.
Code Enforcement said that while the home was filthy, it did have electricity and running water. Officials also noted the condition of the home was not affecting neighbors, so they could not legally condemn the residence at that time.
Adult Protective Services was notified of the situation and said the agency would follow up.
Police also told APS it might be a good idea to check on both residents.
What to Do If You Think an Adult Is in Danger
Calls like this can be difficult because not every unsafe or unhealthy situation rises to the level where police can force someone out of a home or Code Enforcement can immediately condemn a property.
But that does not mean nothing can be done.
If you believe an adult is being neglected, exploited, abused, abandoned, or left in unsafe conditions, you can contact Adult Protective Services, law enforcement, or 911 if there is an immediate emergency.
Warning signs can include a person living without food, water, heat, medication, hygiene, safe shelter, or needed medical care. Other concerns may include untreated injuries, confusion, isolation, a caregiver refusing access to the person, sudden financial problems, or a home that has become dangerously filthy or unsafe.
APS may be able to help connect the person with services such as medical care, food assistance, home health support, mental health or disability services, help with benefits, housing resources, cleanup assistance, or referrals for guardianship or other legal protections when needed.
In some cases, the person may refuse help. Adults have rights, and officials cannot always force services on someone unless they meet specific legal standards for danger or incapacity.
Still, making the call matters. Even if police cannot make an arrest or Code Enforcement cannot condemn a home, a welfare check can document the situation and get the right agencies involved before conditions get worse.