79 yr old man found living in filthy conditions

Active Member Joined: Apr 29, 2008 Posts: 418

In Buena Park, CA, neighbors became concerned about a 79 yr old man, Clarence West who lived alone (for 35 years) and called police to check on him. The well kept yard was a contrast to what they found inside; the smell of dead animals, rats, human feces, and blood among piles of trash. A Haz Mat crew was called in for clean up and the man was removed to a senior care facility.

The court declared an emergency receivership. The receiver was put in charge and claimed this was the result of a brain chemistry disease (did not use the term hoarder) and the old man thought everything was fine. The news encouraged any neighbors noticing someone living under these conditions to please turn them in so they can get the help they need. The man's relatives lived out of state and would be flying in to deal with the situation.