There is not a state in this great nation of ours that does not profess elder advocacy. Supposed protections are in place to prevent physical and financial abuses to the elderly. Yet, such abuse is on the rise despite media attention. The Nursing Home Reform Act was great legislation which is still on the books with little or no enforcement. The long-term care lobbies speak with greater dollar signs than the aged population.
Evidence of this is reflected by the administration of psychotropic medication in long-term care facilities. Most of us reach our “golden years” without needing such prescriptions. Yet, it is common for a resident with no previous psychotropic needs to become medicated in a facility. Records show “depression” or “belligerence” as the explanation. Often, the patient consent form is signed without explanation of the drug's effects. Family doesn't understand the loved one's subdued manner upon visits.
The elder is dealing with aging as well as their loved ones. Of course, the patient is belligerent. Imagine after years of success, accumulating assets, you are ordered into such a facility. Upon admission, the patient is asked to consider the weighty decision of a “do not resuscitate” form. The patient needs to consider “what is my life worth?” If incompetent, the guardian will make the decision. He or she quickly learns their burden to the facility in terms of allotted care time, bathing, feeding, etc.
Our aged mothers, fathers, veterans and other loved ones need a voice. Lobbyists for long-term care facilities, banks and attorneys speak loudly. Few families understand the need for interest in legislation to protect the elder. Realize that most legislators are attorneys and reflect that attitude. Guardianship is on the rise. Guardianship happens quickly in probate court where the ward loses most rights to the court appointed guardian in the guise of protection.
The court often makes the decision for them. And the ward pays from life-long accumulated assets. If the vulnerable ward or their family attempts to fight the guardianship, the ward's funds pay for the guardian's attorney. Read shocking tales of documented guardianship abuse at the National Association to Stop Guardian Abuse Web site at NASGA-StopGuardianAbuse.blogspot.com.
Full Article and Souce:
Elderly Need Advocates
See also:
Anna V. LaBounty
Journey For Justice
Push The Walker
Thanks you, Helen, for a great article spreading the word that guardianship abuse is elder abuse!
ReplyDeleteWell written, thank you.
ReplyDeleteExcellent!
ReplyDeleteTell it like it is, Helen.
Thank you for your endless efforts in the right direction, you make a positive difference in our society.
Yes, the vulnerable elderly (or disabled) need a voice, and they've found one in Helen LaBounty.
ReplyDeleteThanks Helen!
For anyone reading this blog who doesn't know, NASGA is pleased to have Helen LaBounty as a valuable member and advocate.
ReplyDeleteI believe it is our responsibility and duty as citizens of the USA to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.
ReplyDeleteYes, the elderly and disabled need a strong clear voice. We need to continue to let the abusers know we are here; we are on to them; isolation and death of their victims does not guarantee silence.
We need to continue to shout out loud, what we know and how we know it and most importantly what we are going to do about it.
Thank you Helen for sacrificing your time and self and thanks to your family for supporting you in your efforts.
Great job! We look forward to reading your future articles.
Way to go, Helen!
ReplyDeleteWe need more Helens in the world!
ReplyDeleteYou're right on track, Helen. We are a nation of people controlled by drugs. Some drugs are necessary, of course; but many times doctors are quick to prescribe psychotropic drugs to the elderly - especially in nursing facilities - to "calm" them.
ReplyDeleteIn effect, the drugs behave as a chemcial straightjacket.
Family sees their loved one failing but doesn't realize the culprit is the drug.
Well said, Helen
ReplyDelete