Guardianship Abuses Gets The Senate Attention

by Robin Fields L.A. Times Staff writer ( Abridged)

WASHINGTON -- After a string of chilling reports detailing abuse of the elderly, lawmakers and advocacy groups will unveil recommendations today to strengthen oversight of adult guardianships.

Members of the Senate Special Committee on Aging called for nationwide data collection on guardianship cases, mandatory quality standards for guardians and an infusion of federal funds to boost local court supervision programs."Seniors need more options, more rights, more protection at a national level than they are now receiving," said Sen. Gordon H. Smith of Oregon, the committee's top Republican.

"The obligation that we owe to older Americans is pretty obvious,"

robin.fields@latimes.com