Elder law

New Oregon Center for Behavioral Health and Aging Announced

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Fall Wild Flowers

Portland State University, together with Oregon Health & Science University, just launched OCEBHA:  Oregon’s Center of Excellence in Behavior Health & Aging (oregonbhi.org/center-for-excellence).  The focus of the center is “to address the behavioral health needs of Oregon’s aging population by improving access to services and supports.”

With involvement from the PSU Institute on Aging, PSU School of Social Work, OHSU-PSU School of Public Health, OHSU School of Medicine, and OHSU School of Nursing, let’s hope for greater education, awareness, and a pipeline of professionals dedicated to improving the lives of our aging Oregonians.

Details are few, but you can sign up for their newsletter to stay informed.

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Staying Safe in Extreme Cold

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With numerous winter storms ravaging the country, it is vital for each of us to take care, not only of ourselves, but also to take care of our vulnerable friends and neighbors.

AARP explains, “Older people are especially vulnerable when temperatures drop because they have less efficient circulation. They may have medical conditions (such as thyroid problems or diabetes) and take medications (such as beta-blockers) that can raise their risk of health problems, including injuries, in the cold.”

Cold weather tips include:

  • Pile on the layers, both with your clothing and with bed linens.
  • Be careful with candles, electric heaters and generators.
  • Keep the weather outside with closed doors, including closing interior doors to trap heat.
  • Be careful while clearing snow and avoid extreme exertion that can trigger a heart attack.
  • Find a shelter, if need be.
  • Don’t drive unless you must.
  • Keep an eye on the fridge and freezer, to avoid spoiled food.
  • Check on others.

Displays of kindness can fill the world with happiness and warmth.  Stay safe.

Gina Lollobrigida: Financial Elder Abuse Is NOT “Loving Care”

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Gina Lollobrigida, the successful 1950’s and 1960’s Italian actress, model, photojournalist, artist and politician, passed away in early 2023, at the age of 95.

Her former personal assistant was recently found guilty for stealing millions from his former employer, after being charged with “circumvention of an incompetent person.” Although the trial started before Lollobrigida passed, and she defended her assistant, he was convicted and sentenced to three years. After the verdict, the assistant said, “I was the only one lovingly taking care of Gina Lollobrigida.”

With all of her fame, fortune, connections and success, Lollobrigida was not immune from financial exploitation.  We must all be aware and we must all be alert.

If you or someone you know may be the victim of elder abuse, call the Oregon Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-855-503-7233.  The National Elder Fraud Hotline is 1-833-372-8311.  You can also contact the criminal authorities and/or a civil attorney, to protect yourself or our vulnerable citizens.

 

This Is ALL Of Us: Musings From the End of a Television Series and The End of A Life

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NBC’s “This Is Us” aired its penultimate show last night.  It is perhaps the most poignant and heart wrenching writing and acting that I have ever seen on television.  As the matriarch of the family, Rebecca Pearson, suffers with Alzheimer’s Disease and, in a way, had already left her family behind some time ago, as her memories failed her with the insidious disease.  Her final journey is then portrayed through a series of vignettes through the cars of a train, showing her family and other important people in her life, at various ages.  The thread woven through it all is love and sharing, and a good deal of open communication.  (Those Pearsons DO love to talk.)

Planning for an aging loved one’s journey is something we all need to face with compassion and courage, and the legal tools to get the right people situated for success is apparent in the show.   Take the time to talk with an elder law attorney or estate planner to make that journey less painful.

Nobody wants to plan for their final train, but leaving behind less stress for your loved ones is important.  As they said in the show, “If something makes you sad when it ends it must’ve been pretty wonderful when it was happening.”

Beloved Actress Nichelle Nichols Alleged Victim of Elder Abuse

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Nichelle Nichols, best known for her role as Lt. Uhura on the original Star Trek television series, finds herself in the midst of litigation at the age of 87. She is the alleged victim of elder abuse at the hands of her personal manager. The complaint tells a painful story of a vulnerable adult, surviving a stroke, dealing with dementia and short-term memory loss. She falls victim to social isolation, loss of financial and medical control, and even removal from a rehabilitation facility against medical advice.

Elder abuse thrives in the midst of secrecy and isolation. As a society, we must remain vigilant and keep our elders safe.

Report elder abuse in Oregon to the hotline at 1.855.503.7233.

Victoria Blachly: SYK AttorneyVictoria Blachly is a partner and chair of SYK’s Fiduciary Practice Group. 

Upholding Justice for Older Americans: Free National Webinar

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June 15, 2020 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. You have the opportunity to learn from federal government leaders how they are seeking global solutions for elder abuse. The 90 minute free webinar starts at 10:00 AM on June 15.

Hope to “see” you there.

“Elder abuse is a global social issue which affects the health and human rights of millions of older persons around the world, and an issue which deserves the attention of the international community. The United Nations General Assembly, in its resolution 66/127, designated June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. It represents the one day in the year when the whole world voices its opposition to the abuse and suffering inflicted to some of our older generations.” – The United Nations 

Victoria Blachly: SYK AttorneyVictoria Blachly is a partner at SYK, and an experienced fiduciary litigator that works with many elderly clients, cases and causes. She is also a proud Board Member for the Oregon Alzheimer’s Association Chapter.

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