Wendy Williams Lifetime Doc Producers Say They Became ‘Worried’ About Her Care Under Guardianship During Filming

“I just think in the end, you really see what happens when a guardian has complete control and the family is cut out," one of the producers said at an event on May 1 By Kimberlee Speakman and Liza Esquibias Wendy Williams in 2020. Photo: Ilya S. Savenok/Getty  Producers of Where Is Wendy Williams? say the Lifetime docuseries sheds light on Wendy Williams’ “dire” living conditions under a conservatorship. Mark Ford and Erica Hanson, who served as executive producers, attended an awards consideration panel in Hollywood on May 1, where they said they were worried about Williams’ circumstances during production — as she was shown to have been living alone and without food in her refrigerator — and sought to get in touch with her loved ones. “The deeper we got into it, we didn't want to let go of Wendy until we got her back in touch with her[…]

Guardianship Reform in The Virgin Islands

Guardianship is a vital legal mechanism designed to safeguard vulnerable adults who are unable to manage their own affairs due to various reasons. Yet, its implementation often poses challenges, raising concerns about the protection of individual rights and preventing potential abuse. The Uniform Guardianship, Conservatorship, and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act (UGCOPAA) emerges as a beacon of reform, addressing these complexities and ensuring a balanced approach that prioritizes both protection and empowerment.AARP VI is urging our elected officials to pass the Uniform Guardianship Act. The hearing for the Guardianship Reform Bill presented by AARP is set for hearing on May 24th in the Virgin Islands Legislature. This bill will protect and empower Virgin Islanders to have greater agency in their individual rights.Traditionally, guardianships have been characterized by their dual nature—intended to protect while also potentially restricting personal freedoms. The recent spotlight on high-profile cases like that of Britney Spears has underscored[…]

The Growing Epidemic of Elderly Abuse

Pensive older woman looking out bedroom windowTetra Images—Getty ImagesBy Dr. Robert Glatter and Dr. Peter J PapadakosDr. Glatter is Editor at Large for Medscape Emergency Medicine and Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. Dr. Papadakos is the Professor of Anesthesiology, Surgery, Neurology and Neurosurgery at the University of Rochester, and a Professor of Internal Medicine at Mercer University School of MedicineThe number of senior citizens is growing rapidly; individuals aged 65 and older increased from 39.6 million in 2009 to 54.1 million in 2019 (a 36% increase) and is projected to reach 94.7 million by 2060. This has come about as a result of advances in modern medicine and improved living conditions.However, over the last few years, reports not only in the U.S., but from around the world, have brought to light a major new pandemic that may reach deeply into the fabric and soul[…]

Elders at higher risk as targets of fraud and scams

FBI graphicBy David Colburn REGIONAL- In a brand new report, the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) says there was a significant uptick in elder fraud complaints in 2023.The Elder Fraud Report, released on Tuesday, indicates that elder fraud increased by 14 percent over the past year, with associated financial losses growing by about 11 percent to over $3 billion.FBI Assistant Director Michael D. Nordwall said, “Combatting the financial exploitation of those over 60 years of age continues to be a priority of the FBI. Along with our partners, we continually work to aid victims and to identify and investigate the individuals and criminal organizations that perpetrate these schemes and target the elderly.”The annual report specifically highlights fraudulent activities against older Americans, as perpetrators target their financial resources including money and cryptocurrency. The 2023 report outlines several critical points:• Financial impact – Elder fraud resulted in over $3.4 billion in[…]

Feds say 'grandparent scam' targeted older Americans out of millions. Here's how to protect yourself and your loved ones.

by Minnah ArshadSixteen people have been charged in connection with a "grandparent scam" in which hundreds of older Americans across the Northeast were defrauded out of millions of dollars, federal prosecutors announced Tuesday.The group is accused of operating a network of call centers in the Dominican Republic that targeted hundreds of older residents in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts, according to an indictment unsealed this week. Scammers would call older residents pretending to be a relative then say they were in an emergency and needed money — often claiming to be a grandchild that was arrested after suffering a car accident, said Philip R. Sellinger, U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey. “Grandma, I love you and I trust you more than anyone,” one conspirator cries into the phone, according to a video recovered in the investigation cited by Sellinger. "Tell Grandpa I love him."The caller then tells the[…]

AG Nessel Warns Seniors Against Financial Exploitation After FinCEN Analysis

April 29, 2024 LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is reiterating her warnings about exploitation after an analysis from the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) revealed financial institutions reported roughly $27 billion in suspicious activity related to elder financial exploitation during a one-year period from 2022 to 2023.  In its financial trend analysis (PDF), FinCEN identified two predominant categories of reported victimization: elder scams, where the victim does not know the perpetrator, and elder theft, where the victim knows the perpetrator.  “While alarming, these findings reiterate the need for a group of experts like the Elder Abuse Task Force to ensure our elderly and vulnerable populations are protected from exploitation,” Nessel said. “My office will continue holding those who take advantage of some of our most vulnerable accountable.”  “Michigan’s credit unions are working hard to ensure that our members are protected from predatory scams and abuse,” said Patty Corkery,[…]

Orlando Commissioner Hill’s case part of ‘epidemic’ of elder abuse, experts say

In dozens of cases reviewed by the Sentinel, power-of-attorney agreements are used to drain an older person’s resourcesOrlando city commissioner Regina Hill makes a first appearance at the Orange County Jail after being arrested, Thursday, March 28, 2024. (Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel) By Annie MartinA senior with memory loss and no family members to help gave control of her finances to a younger woman. In short order, the younger woman sold the elderly woman’s home and depleted her life savings while neglecting her medical care. In broad strokes, this tale from Miami-Dade County resembles the elder abuse case now ensnarling suspended Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill. And there is one additional, critical element, common to the two cases and dozens more elder-abuse actions across Florida: The alleged misuse of a powerful but little-regulated legal mechanism called power of attorney. Power-of-attorney agreements are intended to help vulnerable people who can no longer[…]

It's hard to believe Marti Oakley's voice ...

It's hard to believe Marti Oakley's voice could ever be silenced. Rest in peace Marti.

Britney Spears settles long-running legal dispute with estranged father, finally bringing ultimate end to conservatorship

by Elizabeth WagmeisterBritney Spears has reached a settlement with her estranged father more than two years after the court-ordered termination of a conservatorship that had given him control of her life, their attorneys said.The terms of the settlement were not disclosed by the attorneys for the pop star and her father, who confirmed the settlement to CNN.“It has been our honor and privilege to represent, protect, and defend Britney Spears,” the singer’s attorney, Mathew Rosengart, said in a statement to CNN.“Ms. Spears is and always will be an icon and a brilliant and brave artist of historic and epic proportion,” Rosengart’s statement continued. “Although the conservatorship was terminated in November 2021, her wish for freedom is now truly complete. As she desired, her freedom now includes that she will no longer need to attend or be involved with court in this matter.”Alex Weingarten, attorney for the singer’s father, told CNN,[…]

‘Overwhelming’ safety issues reported at North Texas nursing homes run by bankrupt company

by Ciara McCarthyFour North Texas nursing homes have “overwhelming” safety and quality issues as their parent company navigates bankruptcy proceedings, according to a report from an independent patient care ombudsman.The four nursing homes are all operated by Remarkable Healthcare, a company that is owned and managed by Laurie Beth and Jon McPike of Southlake. Remarkable filed for bankruptcy in March, the company’s third bankruptcy filing in a little more than six years.As part of the bankruptcy proceedings, the court appointed an independent ombudsman to review patient safety and care at each of the facilities. The ombudsman, Thomas Mackey, concluded that the “safety and quality of care issues are significant and overwhelming in each facility.” Some issues, he wrote in his report, stemmed from the bankruptcy, but others “are from long-term mismanagement/neglect at the corporate level.”At the Dallas nursing home, there are no blood pressure machines, forcing nurses to bring personal[…]

Senior Shelter Dog 'Ignores' Everyone, Then 70-Year-Old Woman Meets Him

By Rachael O'ConnorA senior dog had almost given up finding his forever home when one woman visiting the shelter changed his life forever—he had ignored previous adopters until he met her.Original Good Boy, or OGB for short, was eight years old when he was surrendered to the Humane Rescue Alliance in Washington, DC, before being brought to St Hubert's Animal Welfare Center in New Jersey.When 70-year-old Susan Wright visited the shelter just before Christmas last year, adopting a senior dog was the last thing on her mind.She told Newsweek: "We were walking around looking at the fur babies when I noticed one dog had his back to the door ignoring all attempts to engage him."I didn't think he was particularly 'cute', he looked like a very serious dog. He had the square head of a bulldog and the compact muscular body of a terrier or pit bull, weighed about 80[…]

Worker Accused Of Taking Cash From Elderly, Stealing Wheelchair From Assisted Living Center

By Field WalshNEW BOSTON, Texas–A man who allegedly “borrowed” hundreds of dollars from elderly residents of an area assisted living center where he was working in maintenance was arrested on multiple felony charges last week and is being held with bonds totaling nearly half a million dollars. In addition to multiple charges of exploitation of the elderly, James Milton Guyton, 64, is also accused of theft in connection with a power wheelchair worth $3,000 which he allegedly pawned at a business in Texarkana, Arkansas, and which had been donated to the Autumn Wind Assisted Living Center in New Boston by the family of a former patient. An 89-year-old resident of Autumn Wind allegedly told investigators that Guyton had come into her room on April 11 and asked to “borrow” $200, which she agreed to do “in her vulnerable state.”A 72-year-old resident reported that Guyton had borrowed $200 from her in[…]

New law could give people with dis­abil­ities guardianship pro­tec­tions

By Jeff AllenORLANDO, Fla. — A bill Florida lawmakers passed unanimously is aimed at giving people with disabilities more power when it comes to guardianships. House Bill 73 would allow people a legal framework to make their own decisions instead of being placed into a guardianship. What You Need To Know A bill Florida lawmakers passed unanimously is aimed at giving people with disabilities more power when it comes to guardianshipsHouse Bill 73 would allow people a legal framework to make their own decisions instead of being placed into a guardianshipThe measure would give people with disabilities who are of sound mind the chance to make their own decisions with the support of others, instead of letting one person make their decisions without them having a say in what those decisions areIf it becomes law, it will take effect on July 1, 2024 Michael Lincoln-Mccreight says he hopes the measure will help others avoid[…]

Anne Heche’s Son Homer Claims Estate Cannot Pay Its Debts: New Docs

By Esther Kang (L) Anne Heche and Homer Laffoon. Photo: Rachel Murray/Getty Anne Heche's son, Homer Laffoon, says her estate is unable to pay its outstanding debts. In court documents obtained by PEOPLE, Laffoon has claimed that the estate is "not yet in a condition to be closed" due to its inability to pay back its pending charges. Laffoon, who serves as the proprietor of Heche's estate, reported that the late actress' estate consists of a "modest bank account, royalty payments and other residual income from pre-death projects, a corporation in which the Decedent was the sole shareholder (used for projects in development and business functions related to Decedent’s career in the entertainment industry), an LLC membership interest related to a podcast Decedent helped create and tangible personal property items."  Anne Heche. PHOTO: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic Though the report says that some assets have amounted to $110,000 and others are being appraised, seven creditors[…]

Even though I'm from Missouri congratulation I...

Even though I'm from Missouri congratulation I fought the exact same system

Thank you! Heather Catallo for your dedication.

Thank you! Heather Catallo for your dedication.

What a shame to take advantage of our elder after ...

What a shame to take advantage of our elder after they pay you well. Praying for Justice.

I pray also the Courts Stop turning the other chee...

I pray also the Courts Stop turning the other cheek when presented with abusive evidence Trafficking, Isolation, negligence for exploitation!

Yikes

Yikes

She has done her time. She is trying to be a produ...

She has done her time. She is trying to be a productive member of society. She was released because the State believed she was ready. We are not our mistakes but we are who we became when we learn from them. Employers do background checks, employees or people who go searching to get someone fired should be ashamed. Don’t we want people like her working and paying her taxes or do we want her unemployed while we as tax payers pay her to stay home. Think about it.Also posting mistruths about individuals doesn’t serve any of us well.Move on- be the good in the world not the bad. Wishing bad karma on someone just puts it back on you.

I am really torn about Wendy Williams. However, i...

I am really torn about Wendy Williams. However, if she wants (wanted) her son to have the power to handle her finances and personal care, when needed, then that's what she should have gotten from the get-go.

Dear Nina and David: Thank you for taking the tim...

Dear Nina and David: Thank you for taking the time to write this. I'm Canadian and am at a loss at the prevalence of what I am learning/reading about. High profile cases in the entertainment world and low-profile, Joe Blow, people ... this is modern day SLAVERY and wrong on so many fronts in the 20th and 21st centuries.And Canada is no better. What happened to Florips is not isolated. Elder abuse has been trivialized on both sides of our borders.Please keep the momentum going to expose guardianships as modern day slavery.

Hello Anonymous Thank you for your comment. I’m ...

Hello Anonymous Thank you for your comment. I’m so sorry for your situation. I appreciate the update on Kathleen Simane / Larson / Larsen’s current activities. Please consider contacting me, Sylvia, via confidential email message at: Info@StopGuardianAbuse.org. Or PO Box 886, Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056.

Currently, Kathy's been stealing photography &...

Currently, Kathy's been stealing photography & passing them off as her own work at her own business. When trying to track her down for the cease & desist letter, it led me to this page. I'm absolutely horrified to learn just how extreme her abuse has truly been for everyone around her. My sincerest condolences to the family.

Currently, Kathy's been stealing photography &...

Currently, Kathy's been stealing photography & passing them off as her own work at her own business. When trying to track her down for the cease & desist letter, it led me to this page. I'm absolutely horrified to learn just how extreme her abuse has truly been for every one around her.

Why Longtime Britney Spears Fans Are Demanding to #FreeBritney

It all starts with the singer’s conservatorship that dates back to 2008. By Bianca Betancourt Jul 14 2021, 6:01 pm EDT For nearly half of Britney Spears’s decades-long career as a world-renowned pop star, the “Womanizer” singer hasn’t held full control of her life. Britney has been under a conservatorship helmed by her father, Jamie Spears, since the singer’s infamous breakdown 12 years ago, which resulted in hospitalization and rehab. Though the stigma surrounding Spears’s mental health battles has followed ... The post Why Longtime Britney Spears Fans Are Demanding to #FreeBritney appeared first on Guardian Abuse Cases.

Margaret Dore Bulletin

March 2007 Bar Bulletin A Call for Executive Oversight of Guardians By Margaret K. Dore  With increasing numbers of Americans living longer, many are finding themselves under guardianship. The guardian appointed may be a family member or friend, or a “professional” guardian or guardianship company. In many cases, the guardian is honest and hardworking. Unfortunately, in some cases, however, the guardian abuses or exploits the ward. The exact magnitude of this problem is not known, but the names of articles ... The post Margaret Dore Bulletin appeared first on Guardian Abuse Cases.

Jean Schaeffer – IA

Alzheimer’s and Dementia and Guardianship and Conservatorship

Guardianship Abuse Report Submitted to the United Nations

REPORT TO THE SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON TORTURE, UNITED NATIONS ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AS A FORM OF TORTURE IN THE UNITED STATES   SUBMITTED BY ITHACA PO Box 50, PMB 207 Lake Arrowhead, California 92352 December 5, 2016 CONTENTS:   REPORT ON GUARDIANSHIP TO THE SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON TORTURE Overview of Guardianships in the United States Guardianship Abuse and the Definition of Torture Forced Drugging and Torture Retaliation Against Guardianship Activists Exhaustion of Domestic Remedies A “Kinder, Gentler” Holocaust APPENDIX Attorneys’ ... The post Guardianship Abuse Report Submitted to the United Nations appeared first on Guardian Abuse Cases.

Guardian Abuse, a Criminal Fraud that Will Destroy Your Life

Guardian Abuse cases website was created to warn senior citizens about a form of legalized robbery the courts call guardianship. Memorial Day is approaching; we felt it was time to honor the countless senior victims of an American legal system that has blatantly turned against them. We decided to conduct extensive research around the country in an effort to find important author quotes about the crime of guardian abuse. In this article we will amplify upon ... The post Guardian Abuse, a Criminal Fraud that Will Destroy Your Life appeared first on Guardian Abuse Cases.

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