
Mental health issues can impact community associations in a myriad of ways. Often Associations become the “reluctant care provider” (owners have no family/next of kin, or the family “dumped” the owner in the Association rather than in a care facility). This can be true of older residents (“aging-in-place”) as well of younger residents. The COVID pandemic, and the corresponding year of lockdowns, has added extra stress and increased isolation, exacerbating existing mental health conditions. This has led to an increase of emotional distress, substance abuse, and suicides.
Because community associations are communities, issues that arise with one resident can interfere with another resident’s use and enjoyment of their property. Mental health issues don’t always stay “contained” within the affected owner’s property – noise, shouting, threats, trespassing, damage to property, physical violence – all can interfere with other residents’ quiet enjoyment of their property. While these issues can manifest themselves as harassment and hostilities, they can also lead to dangerous situations. [To read more on dealing with harassment and hostile environment, click HERE.]
While it is not the Association’s responsibility to determine if someone has a mental disability, it is the Association’s responsibility to help ensure that all residents live harmoniously.
Continue Reading Tackling Mental Health and Aging Issues in Your Community Association