Depressed relative refusing treatment for physical illness

[Fruu]

I have a relative with depression who has been socially withdrawn for several years and seems to be getting worse. His house smells and is thick with so much dust the carpets are grey, he quit his job several years ago, doesn't socialise more than once every few months (when other people persuade him into it and organise everything for him) or ever contact his family or old friends by phone / email, even to respond to major life events. As far as I can tell he only leaves the house to buy food.

A year or so ago he had quite a bad dental issue and wouldn't seek treatment for months until the pain was too much for him to stand it anymore. Now he's suffering from a very bad asthma attack, but doesn't have an inhaler. He's saying he doesn't want to be "dependent" on an inhaler and is refusing to be taken to see a doctor.

Is there anything I can do other than begging him to get medical help? I'm worried he's putting his life at risk by refusing treatment for his asthma. Before he started exhibiting symptoms of depression he used to use inhalers, so I think his mental illness is influencing his choice not to accept treatment.

I've already spoken to him about his depression and asked him to see a doctor, but although he has admitted he is depressed, he won't go. I'm desperately worried about him, and I live too far away to visit regularly to check up on him, unfortunately. :(