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Weak Rules Govern Guardians

From Sunday's paper

'I feel like I'm in jail'

A court is keeping Isabelle Jessich in a nursing home even though a doctor says she's sane, sober and fit to leave. Is this how guardianship laws should work? Updated Apr. 20, 2011

They're supposed to be helping those who can no longer make decsions for themselves. But too often, Minnesota's court-appointed guardians and conservators are making things worse for their wards. They steal their money. They ignore their needs. Despite well-documented abuses, the profession remains largely unregulated.

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Unfit to be lawyer, yet a guardian for 200
Article By: JAMES ELI SHIFFER ,Star Tribune Publish March 13, 2011 3:00 AM / Update March 16, 2011 7:01 AM
The case of Terri Ann Hauge, charged with bilking 10 vulnerable adults, shows the flaws in selecting and monitoring conservators.

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Eileen Nelson held a photo of her husband, Scott Nelson

Power of attorney, yet powerless
Article By: JAMES ELI SHIFFER , Star Tribune Publish April 19, 2009 2:00 AM / Update April 20, 2011 3:31 PM
A man suffering from dementia in a St. Louis Park nursing home gave power of attorney to a stranger - and no one told his wife.

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Peggy Greer

Out of money, Excelsior woman still fighting
Article By: JAMES ELI SHIFFER , Star Tribune Publish April 29, 2009 2:00 AM / Update April 28, 2009 10:58 PM

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Joseph Langa

Weak rules govern guardians
Article By: JAMES ELI SHIFFER , Star Tribune Publish August 15, 2010 2:00 AM / Update August 18, 2010 7:46 AM
Three at-risk adults had inexperienced financial managers.

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U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar talked with Deanna Van de North after Van de North addressed a discussion group Wednesday on shortcomings in the guardianship system, and how they affected her dying mother. Klobuchar has introduced legislation to address such shortcomings nationally.

Murky guardian system assailed as 'prone to abuse'
Article By: BRAD SCHRADE , Star Tribune Publish September 29, 2011 2:00 AM / Update September 29, 2011 10:52 AM
Daughter tells how she was unable to bid farewell to her dying mother because of interference from court-appointed caretaker.

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Those under guardians get rights
Article By: JAMES ELI SHIFFER , Star Tribune Publish May 24, 2009 2:00 AM / Update April 20, 2011 3:32 PM
The Legislature responded to cases of misconduct involving vulnerable people.

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Isabelle Jessich

Edina woman gets control of life, may lose home
Article By: JAMES ELI SHIFFER , Star Tribune Publish August 7, 2010 2:00 AM / Update April 15, 2011 3:33 PM
Isabelle Jessich got rid of her court-appointed guardian, but her house could be sold to pay legal fees.

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