As more Americans worry about financial abuse of seniors, Pennsylvania's new task force on elder law is stepping up.
The group expects to outline recommendations next year that could make it harder for thieves to prey on older people and drain their bank accounts, its chairperson said.
The practice of senior guardianship is “ripe for abuse,” said state Supreme Court Justice Debra Todd, who chairs the court's Elder Law Task Force.
“We need greater monitoring,” Todd said. “It's really sad when you read their cases. ... They've lost their life savings or their homes.”
Pennsylvania law allows the Orphans Court to appoint guardians to handle living arrangements or financial matters for someone incapable of doing so.
Three task force subcommittees will focus on the appointment and qualifications of guardians and attorneys; guardianship monitoring and data collection; and elder abuse and neglect.
Financial abuse of the elderly is hard to measure, experts said.
“It's difficult to get a handle on because family members may be involved,” said Richard Schulz, director of Gerontology and associate director of the Institute on Aging at the University of Pittsburgh.
Elder Task Force to Step Up Guidelines
The 38-member task force composed of judges, lawyers and social workers plans to recommend solutions “that will allow older Pennsylvanians to age without worriesthat they will be abused or their money will be taken,” said Chief Justice Ronald D. Castille.
Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen A. Zappala Jr. will chair the subcommittee on elder abuse and neglect. He believes the task force will make a difference.
“We're looking at changing rules, both civil and criminal. … We're going to change the way we do business,” said Zappala, who formed an elder abuse unit in his office in 2004.
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