The elder has some degree of dementia-- sometimes he is there, sometimes not. (Sometimes he's actually faking not being there). He is more there than not, but is not capable of having a cell phone to call for help.
The blood relative has some kind of meals on wheels already going. Problem is the elder can't be left alone-- he will decide to leave the building and then not know where the hell he is.
My relative has brielfy told the blood relative about the cops coming, and sys the blood rel. did not have much to say.
Mt relative also has been looking into area agencies for home health care/senior day care. A talk with an agency is planned on how to offer support and assistance to the blood relative-- so the plan for now is go ahead and report any newly-heard incidents anonymously and continue to offer supportive listening and referrals to the blood relative. If there is a new report, my relative is prepared now with all the information that will be requested.
It seems significant that there has been at least the one cop visit, and it may be that the local elder abuse case manager is (or soon will be) aware of the details of that incident.
Knowing the cycle of alcoholism as I do, I would anticipate that the live-in partner will keep things quiet for the near future, but that it will all deteriorate before TOO long as his drinking rises and falls.