Lawmakers Study Protection Measures For Older Hoosiers

Family members of older Hoosiers who they say have been taken advantage of urged lawmakers to better protect seniors.

Lawmakers took testimony on the issue Monday in a legislative study commission. They heard stories of adult children who’d stolen from their older parents and used the power of attorney they’d been given to restrict other family members’ access to those parents.

Rebecca Pryor works with a state task force on adult guardianships. She recommends court monitoring of adult guardians.

“That certainly addresses your concern for any of the protection for the assets and the appointment of a guardian,” Pryor says.

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Kristen LaEace leads the Indiana Association of Area Agencies on Aging. She says guardianship services throughout the state are inconsistent and sometimes unpaid.

“We believe that Indiana should have a robust, coordinated statewide system of guardianship," LaEace says. "And this does require sufficient funding.”

Lawmakers will prepare a report on the issue later this year.