Legendary actor Mickey Rooney, born Joe Yule Jr. in 1920, recently testified about his horrific experiences as the victim of elder abuse. In March, at the age of 90, he bravely described for senators on the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, the long-term emotional suffering and loss of personal control that followed his financial exploitation by family members.

According to ABC News, a Los Angeles Superior Court granted the actor’s request for restraining orders against stepson Chris Aber and his wife Christina Aber. Rooney feared retaliation against him, Rooney’s wife and another stepson, because Rooney charged the Abers with “verbal, emotional and financial abuse, and for denying [Rooney] such basic necessities as food and medicine.”

Rooney’s attorney, after reporting to the court that $400,000 has been found missing from Rooney’s bank accounts, has now been appointed conservator of Rooney’s estate. His case is continuing. However there are many lessons that we all can learn from this unfortunate situation.

Elder Abuse

According to the National Center on Elder Abuse website, elder abuse is a “knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult.” It can include threats of or actual physical harm, emotional maltreatment, sexual contact without consent, financial exploitation, neglect or abandonment.

Elder abuse is largely under reported and exact numbers are not available. The abuse is often a secret tragedy; however government and private studies have attempted to understand the prevalence of elder abuse.

Estate Planning Tools Can Help Protect Vulnerable Seniors

Protections need to be put into place for those approaching their golden years. An experienced estate planning attorney at Morris Hall can help clients set up legal protections to greatly lessen the likelihood of future exploitation as they age. The chance of incapacity in later years is real, and the law has developed certain planning tools to help seniors plan for that possibility.

While states’ legal terms and provisions may vary, all states have laws in place for these purposes. Some common examples include:

• Power of attorney (financial): Choose someone to automatically assume control of your finances should you become incapable of financial decision making.
• Power of attorney (medical): Choose someone to make medical decisions for you should you become unable to do so.
• Nomination of guardian or conservator: Legally document according to your state law who you would like appointed to serve as guardian controlling your personal decisions, or as conservator making your financial decisions should the court be asked to appoint either for you. Your choice may not be binding, but it preserves your voice for the judge to consider.
• Gifts: Generally, resist the influence of others to make gifts of money or other property while you are alive. In some instances, gifting assets while living can be an effective planning strategy, but before doing so, make sure you consult with the experienced attorneys at Morris Hall.
• Revocable trust: Also called a living trust or family trust, you can establish a trust for your own money and assets with yourself as the trustee while retaining the power to make spending decisions as long as you remain competent. You can choose your own successor to become trustee should you later become incompetent. The successor trustee could make decisions about the use of your property for your own benefit, or that of your loved ones, if you include that power.

Long-term care insurance: Avoid potential problems with family caregivers by purchasing insurance to cover the cost of hiring in-home care or staying in a long-term care facility should you become unable to care for yourself.

Smart Estate Planning to Ward Off Elder Abuse

Of course, if you or a loved one is the victim of physical, mental or financial elder abuse, alert law enforcement authorities for protection and contact Morris Hall to learn about potential legal remedies.

Talk to Morris Hall now before you are faced with potential incapacity or a weakened ability to protect yourself.