I was originally paying $400 a month in rent. I thought this was a good deal (not for me, but for him). He knew this, I didn't know better. After 6 years 24 hours, 7days a week and no time off, ever, I'm starting to feel really taken advantage of. I think this got the elder man I was caregiving for worried about him possibly having to pay me for my caregiving services. So, out of nowhere he's filed a temp. restraining order for elder abuse. His attorney said when he wins this, I would immediately have to move. The judge knew better and dismissed his case on 5/31/24 now he's filed a unlawful detainer on me saying I owe him 6$,000 rent from last year and $108.76 a day from 10/10/24, but I don't pay rent. I have a court date on 11/26/24. Legal aid at the courthouse helped me file an answer. This elder man will do anything to make me gone so he doesn't have to pay me. I'm worried what is going to happen to me. I'm 68 and on SSI, I can't afford rent without help. Thanks for your help. Kathy
Call APS about your dilemma and ask for pointers.
Call your local Council on Aging.
I am afraid that your elder gentleman friend stands to lose a lot more in this than you do, because unless he's weatlhy, and should he need Medicaid, the sums he GAVE you look like gifting, if he didn't report it to the IRS. That will preclude him from getting free governmental help, and THAT is something he AND his attorney need to be worrying about.
From your own standpoint, your "story" is that you helped him and he gave you money and a place to stay. It was a "gift".
I wouldn't leant too heavily on the story that this is going on for 6 years and you really didn't understand anything about it. I would simply say you have been living rent free in exchange for minimal help and you have been doing caregiving in exchange. Basically it is his word and yours. A judge is unlikely to know what is the story here and just dismiss everything.
I would however, work hard now to find a place you can afford. Otherwise you will enter the legions of homeless. We have seen many stories go South in trading caregiving for a home. It almost never works out.
Sorry this has happened to you and wish you the best.
If you are on SSI you will have access to Social Worker counselor I do believe and I would get access to that as well.
Good luck.
https://www.agingcare.com/questions/i-was-offered-free-rent-in-exchange-for-live-in-caregiving-490944.htm
Kathy2024,
Thanks for the additional info and update. Please read the responses you got on your original post as to options that might be available to you.