Abuse of power,adult protective service" APS "Guardian Program corruption in washington state .

adult protective service Guardian Program corruption only want to take control and not help adult senior need,justice for older adults senior they want stay with person love not in a nursing homes

April 12, 2011
THURSTON COUNTY—

They ae appointed by the courts to help people, many of them elderly, but friends of one Thurston County woman said her court-appointed guardian hasn't done a thing. Now, 95-year-old Eleanor Barrick worries she'll be forced out of her home.

Age doesn't keep Barrick from feeding chickens and pulling weeds on the land her family has owned for more than 70 years. She doesn't like asking for help, but pays a caregiver to do things around the house. Last year, the court appointed a guardian to help pay her bills and manage her affairs. The problem is that the bills haven't been paid.

Her neighbor, Don Wolph, has called several of her creditors to explain the situation and keep her lights on.

"She`s got a shut-off notice," he said. "They canceled her medical insurance through AARP for non-payment — that was back in December."

Court records show that a guardian was put in charge of paying Barrick's bills last November. Since then she was transferred to a new guardian. Barrick admits it's hard not having control over the situation

"It is in a way, it makes me feel like I'm imposing," she said. "But that's their job, they're getting paid to do that."

Q13 FOX News talked with Barrick's guardian by phone last week. Pam Privette with Sound Guardianship declined to talk on camera, but said they're trying to locate Barrick's assets. Privette said they hope to make some payments this week, but Don Wolph is skeptical.

"If I need to, I'll step in and pay the bills and she can reimburse me," he said. "I'm not rich, but she needs the help." He added that "she`s $2,200 in debt from past due bills — that's a lot."

Right now Wolph said Barrick doesn't have health insurance or homeowners insurance, and the newspaper will not deliver to her anymore.

Through it all, Barrick has kept her sense of humor. Still, it's obvious this is taking a toll on the elderly woman.

"I would like to have things settled, but I don't want to have to leave the place," she said.

Her biggest fear is that she'll be forced her out of her house.

"It`s better than putting me in a nursing home."

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