¿Debería Tom Hanks ser mi apoderado médico?

As Elder Law attorneys we are keenly aware of the many serious issues that impact the senior citizen population. We take great pride in being advocates for our senior clients. In addition, we strive to educate our clients and the general population on these issues.

Time and time again, our senior citizens and their families face issues related to quality and cost of long term care. They also encounter threats to a reduction or elimination of government entitlements. Furthermore, they experience issues of mental and physical capacity and substituted judgment. Elder abuse occurs too – just to name a few.

Por desgracia, los medios de comunicación no siempre prestan la atención que merecen a los problemas que afectan a las personas mayores. Sin embargo, recientemente el tema de la tutela y el maltrato de ancianos apareció como la historia principal en el programa de televisión de HBO Last Week Tonight con John Oliver.

John Oliver, who is a comedian and host of the program, discussed some of the extremely troublesome flaws of the guardianship system. Although Oliver admitted that guardianship is an important and effective tool to help protect individuals who lack mental and/or physical capacity, he also detailed how court-appointed guardians can abuse their power. This often occurs while charged with the responsibility of assisting people with mental or physical disabilities. It happens particularly to the elderly.

Oliver explained there are 49.2 million Americans aged 65 or older living in the United States. There are also 1.3 million active guardianship cases throughout the U.S. with most cases involving senior citizens. These numbers will rise significantly in the near future as our nation faces a surge in its senior citizen population. This trend has been referred to as the “Silver Tsunami”.

John Oliver also explained that you can potentially avoid the need for a guardianship proceeding by undertaking elder care planning. You can also execute advance directives, such as a health care proxy and durable power of attorney. Oliver’s explanation was reinforced by a star-studded public service announcement. It featured senior celebrities such as Cloris Leachman, Lily Tomlin, William Shatner, Fred Willard, and Rita Moreno.

El anuncio de servicio público, que a veces se desviaba humorísticamente de su tema principal, el cuidado de los ancianos, terminaba con todos los famosos recomendando a todo el mundo que nombrara a Tom Hanks agente bajo su poder sanitario porque es "un chico tan simpático".

The segment on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver not only combined humor with an insightful look at serious issues faced by senior citizens. It also brought an awareness of these issues to a broad audience of viewers from multiple generations. The issues themselves are not funny at all, but they need to be discussed. Sometimes the best way to break the ice on a tough subject is with a laugh.

Although it is not recommended that you name a celebrity, like Tom Hanks, as your agent under your health care proxy or durable power of attorney, it is important to name someone you trust would carry out your wishes. It is equally as important that you discuss your wishes with the named agents. Additionally, inform them of your health care proxy and durable power of attorney.

A pesar de las digresiones humorísticas, el importante mensaje subyacente del anuncio de servicio público realizado por las celebridades de la tercera edad era que había que "empezar ya a planificar el futuro".

Como defensores de las personas mayores y las personas con necesidades especiales, agradecemos a John Oliver, Cloris Leachman, Fred Willard, Lily Tomlin, Rita Moreno y William Shatner que hayan introducido los temas de la tutela y el maltrato de ancianos en nuestra cultura.

If you would like to speak with an experienced elder law attorney regarding your situation or have questions about something you have read, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 1 (800) 680-1717. We look forward to the opportunity to work with you.

Disclaimer: The information provided above is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice.