![]() ![]() State guardianship laws permit courts to appoint “emergency guardians” without notice to either the person alleged to need a guardian or family or friends who might come to their defense. Take Marla’s first “trick:” petitioning for a guardianship without telling her elderly mark. This exploitation is made possible, in part, by outdated state laws. Not only do individuals for whom guardians are appointed lose the right to make some or nearly all decisions for themselves, but reports of unscrupulous guardians using the system to exploit vulnerable adults are far too common. The process can provide needed protection to those who are unable to care for themselves. Every state allows courts to appoint a third party (called a “guardian” or “conservator”) to make decisions for someone the court determines is at risk because they lack the ability to make decisions for themselves. Unfortunately, the plot of “I Care a Lot” - despite its share of plot twists and theatrics - is not as far-fetched as it might seem. Her method: petitioning a local court to appoint her as emergency guardian for older adults whom she alleges cannot make decisions for themselves. ![]() In fact, it is the opening for Netflix’s new featured movie “ I Care a Lot,” starring Rosamund Pike as Marla, a ruthlessly ambitious woman who has made a business out of exploiting older adults. It’s a perfect opening for a psychological thriller. Within days, the older woman has been placed in a nursing home and her home sold so that the stranger may profit. The older woman who answers the door is informed that the visitor is now her legal guardian and will make all decisions for her. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |