I had one client ask about this, I told them if they tell me they no longer support Dad, I can take him off their return, but I wont be putting him back on next year.  So they would lose the $500 ODC each year.

Dad can then go to the senior center or use IRS free file and file his own return, I wouldnt be the one to file it since I think that he CAN be claimed as a dependent, whether they want to claim him or not.

She said theyd discuss it as a family and let me know, so we'll see.