TORRINGTON—Appropriately or not, Eli Schutts, an 86-year-old retired philosophy professor at Western Connecticut State University, has been a resident of Litchfield Woods Health Care Center since the early days of summer.His fate is a matter of uncertainty, but the picture may become clearer Monday when he will be the focus of a Torrington Probate Court hearing at Litchfield Woods.
The Litchfield Hills Probate Court had previously appointed a temporary conservator for him, but that order expired Aug. 12. At Monday’s 9:30 a.m. probate hearing, which will be open to the public, former temporary conservator Lorraine Seely is expected to seek permanent appointment.
Edith Johnson, Mr. Schutts’ companion since the 1980s, doubts his best interests have been put first. She is in a public fight to see Mr. Schutts freed from facilities, but the previous appointment of Ms. Seely and questions over his physical well-being have left her with little recourse.
The struggle of Ms. Johnson as a lay person and non-family member to act as an advocate illustrates the difficulties one encounters when challenging established power. Her undertaking also gives an indication of the limits of institutions to accommodate or accept independent voices on behalf of patients.
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Stage is Set for Monday Probate Hearing to Determine Next Step in Contested Case of Retired WestConn Professor Eli Schutts
This is a sad case. I feel it will not turn out well for Professer Schutts and he'll end up with a third-party stranger as his guardian.
ReplyDeleteProfessor Schutts is in real trouble!
ReplyDeleteYes, it appears that Mr. Schutts been targeted and they're probably working on manipulating him.
ReplyDeleteIt's a mixed game, depending on the judge; "friends" - sometimes yes; sometimes no.
ReplyDeleteWe've seen marriages made and ended by guardians, and wills and trusts changed, too.
It's a mixed game, depending on the judge; "friends" - sometimes yes; sometimes no.
ReplyDeleteWe've seen marriages made and ended by guardians, and wills and trusts changed, too.