License to Steal

Experts say abuse of the privileges granted by powers of attorney is skyrocketing. There are few laws to protect the people who make these designations. The case of the New York philanthropist and socialite, Brooke Astor, is only the most prominent of recent stories of elder abuse to come to the fore. "Inside E Street" examines Astor's case and others, incorporating the opinions of national experts. We find out what Capitol Hill is doing to stop elder abuse.

Segments

When news broke that the Manhattan philanthropist, Brooke Astor, had become a victim of elder abuse, the risks associated with powers of attorney made national headlines. Journalist Meryl Gordon, author of "Mrs. Astor Regrets," joins "Inside E Street" host, Sheilah Kast, to update us on the case.

The Reality of Power of Attorney

Nearly 5 million elders are abused each year. Many cases occur after the victims have granted legal control of their finances to loved ones. Two lawyers who specialize in elder abuse, Linda Whitton and Lori Stiegel, explain the benefits and dangers of power of attorney agreements.

Landmark Legislation

Congressman Joe Sestak (D-Pa.) recently championed the first elder-abuse act to pass the House of Representatives in 17 years. Congressman Sestak joins Sheilah to review the details of The Elder Abuse Victims Act and how it can help you.

More to Do

When it comes to situations as damaging and sensitive as elder abuse, Bob Blancato of the Elder Justice Coalition believes we can do more. He would like Congress to pass legislation that would have more protection than The Elder Abuse Victims Act.

Resources

• Find more on estate planning at AARP.org.
• Read guest Lori Stiegel’s report, "Power of Attorney Abuse: What States Can Do About It," a report from AARP's Public Policy Institute.
• Read other AARP Public Policy Institute materials on elder abuse.
• Find legal help through the Center for Elder Rights Advocacy’s list of senior legal hotlines and legal services programs for seniors.
• Visit the Elder Justice Coalition online.
• Learn more about the Elder Justice Act introduced in both the Senate and the House in March 2007.
• For research, advocacy, and policy development to strengthen elder rights, check out the American Bar Association’s Commission on Law and Aging.
• State Adult-Protective Services can communicate and network through the National Adult-Protective Services Association.

The Host

Through most of her distinguished reporting career, Sheilah Kast has focused on the economy and workplace and how they affect people's lives. Well known to viewers of public television, ABC News, and CNN, she has covered the White House and Congress.

Kast also reported on the Washington aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks. Her stories included an investigation of anthrax in the mails and the struggles of bereaved Pentagon families to secure benefits.

At The Washington Star, in her first reporting job, Kast covered financial regulation, taxes, and energy. Her expertise in these important issues eventually led her to start a national public-television show, "This Week in Business," which she hosted in association with Business Week magazine.

Ms. Kast is a skilled interviewer. She has often hosted NPR's Weekend Edition Sunday and has her own current-affairs interview show on public radio in Maryland.

Contact Us

Inside E Street - AARP
Techworld Station
P.O. Box 50239
Washington, D.C. 20091-9998
E-mail: estreet@aarp.org