Unrepresented Adults Face Adverse Healthcare Consequences: The Role of Guardians, Public Guardianship Reform, and Alternative Policy Solutions. Issue 3 (4th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Catlin, Casey C.; Connors, Heather L.; Teaster, Pamela B.; Wood, Erica; Sager, Zachary S.; Moye, Jennifer
• Is Part Of: Journal of aging & social policy. Volume 34:Issue 3(2022)
• Page Start: 418
• Page End: 437
• Publication Date: 2022-05-04
• Subjects: Unrepresented -- unbefriended -- guardian -- public guardianship -- support; Older people -- United States -- Periodicals; Older people -- Government policy -- United States -- Periodicals; Older people -- Periodicals; Older people -- Medical care -- United States -- Periodicals; 362.605
• DOI: 10.1080/08959420.2020.1851433
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0895-9420

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Persons without family or friends to serve as healthcare agents may become "unrepresented" in healthcare, with no one to serve as healthcare agents when decisional support is needed. Surveys of clinicians (N = 81) and attorneys/guardians (N = 23) in Massachusetts reveal that unrepresented adults experience prolonged hospital stays (66%), delays in receiving palliative care (52%), delays in treatment (49%), and other negative consequences. Clinicians say guardianship is most helpful in resolving issues related to care transitions, medical treatment, quality of life, housing, finances, and safety. However, experiences with guardianship are varied, with delays often/always in court appointments (43%) and actions after appointments (24%). Policy solutions include legal reform, education, and alternate models.