No Help for Margaret

Margaret’s daughter tried to seek assistance from the Lehigh County Agency on Aging. They ignored her pleas for help. Margaret’s son died in 2005. However, his friends remained in her home. Her daughter sought the help of an attorney and eventually a court appointed guardian was assigned to Margaret. Laurie Schnauffer, of the Guardian Support Agency Inc. felt it was in Margaret’s best interest for her abusers to remain with her. Margaret’s bruises, broken ribs, malnourishment, and fear were of no concern to Ms. Schnaufer. However, she made it a point on many occasions to brag to Margaret’s family how much money she made by being a guardian. She restricted visits from people who were concerned about her. She threatened Margaret’s daughter that she would never see her mother again if she continued to speak out about her abuse.


In 2006 the court ruled that Margaret would be placed in an assisted living facility. When her daughter entered Margaret’s home she found it basically empty. The house itself was damaged in many ways. Letters were written to the Agency on Aging, Department of Aging, state officials, and many others. Of the 40 letters sent most were ignored. Those that did respond had no interest in helping Margaret. No one would put a stop to the financial and physical abuse of a helpless old woman.