Question
My neighbor is 60 years old.  He had a stroke about 10 years ago and is in a wheelchair.  His wife is a hermit and a hoarder with disabilities of her own.  He has developed a large growth on his eyelid that continues to grow.  It is diagnosed as cancer but no one is doing anything about it.  He has no health insurance but he does have doctors who prescribe medication.  The man is in pain and has to have this eye tumor removed.  My question is:  If he calls 911 and goes to a hospital, do they have to treat this eye condition or will they send him home to wait for transportation to a cancer hospital.  The man's entire eye is covered by this growth.  He is a human being and I don't understand why he has to live this way.  Aides come and go but he is filthy and his living conditions are deplorable.  Please help me to help him if I can.  I grew up with him and I feel so helpless.
Thanks,
Lynn

Answer
Hi Lynn.

That's a very concerning situation.

I'm really not sure how the paramedics or emergency room physicians would treat this person. That may be a question better suited for those in the medical profession.

I would suggest calling the Nassau County Social Services Department at (516)227-8519 and request that an investigator pay them a visit.

However, keep this in mind: for people who are considered competent to make decisions about their treatment, there may be nothing that can be done. If this is the case, helping them to be comfortable may be the only other option. You can do this by connecting them with services (meals on wheels, visiting nurses, etc..)

Good luck, and I hope things work out.

Jon Eriquezzo