Friday, November 7, 2014

Linda Kincaid Reports: Elder abuse in California conservatorships: Conference discusses exploitation



The 2014 Southwest Conference on Disability discussed elder abuse of conservatees by unethical conservators. Discussions focused on unlawful imprisonment and forced isolation of vulnerable elders with large estates. 

Conservators have access to their victims’ estates to pay themselves and service providers of their choice. Social services agencies are unwilling or unable to respond effectively. Law enforcement often considers elder abuse to be a civil matter. Courts provide minimal oversight of conservatorships.

Historical cases included:
  • San Bernardino County – Carol Hahn was imprisoned and isolated for 15 months
  • Santa Clara County – Gisela Riordan was imprisoned and isolated for 2 years
Current cases included:
  • Alameda County – Elinor Frerichs has been imprisoned and isolated since summer 2012
  • Monterey County – Margarita Zelada has been imprisoned and isolated since March 2013
Unlawful imprisonment and forced isolation of dependent adults follows a similar pattern. In Santa Clara County, two families allege that loved ones under the control of San Andreas Regional Center are similarly imprisoned and isolated. 

Full Article & Source:
Elder abuse in California conservatorships: Conference discusses exploitation

4 comments:

StandUp said...

Good going, Linda. Thanks for all you do.

Anonymous said...

I am glad Linda is out there spreading the word on conservatorship abuse. Thanks, Linda.

Sue said...

Linda Kincaid is a on the side of right; she is committed to taking a stand in right vs wrong, exposing the abuses, the dark dirty side of the protection industry for profit and / or job security.

GREAT JOB! Very much looking forward to updates.

Paula said...

Every time Linda Kincaid goes to a conference, she educates someone there who just didn't know what was going on. The word is getting out there thanks to advocates like Linda and NASGA.