My husband's father is from the US and has severe dementia. He moved in with us 2 years ago as he lost his house due to signing over to his other son, and none of the relatives in the US would take care of him.
We applied twice for elderly visas based on human rights, but it's been refused (not surprised. The chances are that getting it is extremely low). Until the applications have been processed, he could stay here legally.
Now he is 91, and his dementia is much worse. He doesn't remember anything, bearly speaking or eating and only awake 4 hours a day. He goes to the doctor's private (never used NHS and not planning on), and his pention insurance covers all emergencies if he ends up in the hospital. We take care of him at home.
Now the problem is: we could keep applying for the visa so he could stay here legally, but honestly, I don't see the point. It costs over 10 thousand a year (with all the legal fees included), and we know it will be declined.
When we asked the lawyer what will happen if he stays here inlegally he said: they propably can't deport him as he is in "end of life" shape- but of course, he is keep pushing to apply for the visa.
We talked to an elderly home, in case if he gets worse (his pention will be enough to cover the costs), and they said they would take him even without a visa.
When he arrived, he didn't have a retun ticket, so we thought it would be an issue, but no one had contacted us so far.
Any experiences?
He won't be a burden on NHS. We just want him here as he hasn't got anyone else. It's very sad, but there is no way he would survive a trip home, and he's got nowhere to go.
We will probably apply again for a visa (it's already in motion with the immigration lawyer), but I'm just curious about experiences and what will happen if we are contacted before the visa application?