The social worker tapped on the door several times. He held a file in his left hand containing an Adult Protective Services referral that said a neighbor had called concerned about Mr. Dahlberg.

The door opened just a crack, enough for the social worker to see the gaunt expression of a frail old man, stooped by age and poor nutrition. At a glance the social worker could see boxes and newspapers stacked around the room. Gnats buzzed over several black bananas and some indistinguishable leftover food on a small kitchen table. A musty odor was in the air.