Expanding the Utah Commission on Aging
None by KCPW
(KCPW News) A bill that extends the Utah Commission on Aging for two more years is making its rounds on Capitol Hill. Norma Matheson, who is the honorary chair of the Commission, supports this bill:"One of the important things this Commission is doing is raising the level of awareness of this massive surge of mature, elderly people for the next few years and having everyone prepare for it (retirement) - health-wise, financially, and just thinking ahead - because, of course, when you're 40, you never think you're going to get old and guess what...you do."
Sponsoring the bill is Democratic Senator Patricia Jones, who says Governor Huntsman and the University of Utah Center on Aging are both pushing for the Commission's extension:
"The Commission on Aging began as a proactive measure to plan for the burgeoning, aging population in Utah, and it's a phenomenon that will affect virtually every state department."
Jones convinced the House Health and Human Services committee to pass her bill to the full House. If the bill becomes law, the Commission will continue until July 1st, 2009.
Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom, Legislative Coverage, and 2007 Legislative Coverage. Copyright 2008 KCPW
1. Susan Thackeray said:
I am 52 and am certainly thinking about retirement and aging. I would love to see this Commission on Aging continue it's work.
2. Kate Anderson said:
After the commision is expanded, it's first focus should be guadianship reform. Guardian abuse is rampant in the US already and will only worsen as the elder population skyrockets. Guardians for hire are legally stealing the life savings of thousands. Their victims will live out their retirment, confined in nursing homes and isolated from their loved ones. Under the guise of "protection" Public Guardians are destroying families as the hunt for new victims to boost their own agendas. These guardians have absolute credibility and no accountability. They shut out family members instead of listening to those who know and love the wards. There is no avenue of complaint against any of their actions and when actions result in danger or harm, they cover up to prevent lawsuits. Since the wards are under "protection" by these same guardians, they have no voice and can not seek legal remedy. Families often do not have the funds to fight them in court leaving more financial devastation.
The courts have no duty or true power to monitor the guardianships and end up rubber stamping whatever the guardian puts in front of them.
Guardians and attorneys are getting rich off off the blood and sweat of the elderly and their families.
Please take a moment to visit the National Association to Stop Guardian Abuse (NASGA) at www.stopguardianabuse.com. Our president, Robin Westmiller would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Kate AndersonMember of the National Association to STOP Guardian Abuse
The opinions expressed are those of the (person), and may not reflect the official positions of the National Association to STOP Guardian Abuse.