If it is found that there is a need for intervention, the case is given to the County Counsel for review and request for a court decision. When the decision is made, the referral then goes back to the Public Guardian for implementation. The Public Guardian is the only agency empowered to remove the severely incapacitated person from the abusive situation. This program has protected many individuals, some near death, from abusive care givers. The Public Guardian's office has stopped many family members from removing the elderly from skilled nursing facilities only to abandon them a few days later.
Financial abuse has a devastating effect upon the senior population.
Lifetime savings are quickly gone and the senior has to resort to public assistance. Major sources for funding this program are SB 910 funding for targeted case management and Medi-Cal or Medicare claims. The program also attempts to collect fees from the client for these services. However, most of the client's funds may be depleted within a year. Clients with sizable estates often use private conservators.