Author Description

The aging population that reside in San Mateo, Santa Clara and San Francisco Counties of California are heavily relying on medical practitioners as opposed to loved ones or acquaintances to validate their medical competency and assist with their continuing care needs. This study demonstrates the requirement for medical professionals, specifically employed in Emergency Rooms of hospitals, to be well versed on the topic of Conservatorship versus Guardianship Rights. Additionally, these practitioners need to be knowledgeable of how to incorporate and monitor these rights pertaining to their elderly patient short or long-term care. Elder abuse rates have increased at the hands of elderly patient's loved ones or strangers due to lack of knowledge of the subject. It is imperative that best practices and thorough evaluation of elderly patient care is conducted to ensure that all necessary steps have been completed prior to filing claim with the court system. Probate Courts are now intervening to oversee the process of potentially warding conservatorship versus guardianship rights to loved ones, acquaintances and medically trained professionals to prevent abuse of the elderly patient and preserve their wishes for appropriate care.