Last year, we reported on the case of Joan Mesler.  You can read the full article here.

Summary:

Contentious family dynamics and possible exploitation of vulnerable adult

LIMITED Guardianship ordered, appointing Senior Avenues (Kristyan Calhoun)

Vulnerable Adult Protection Order (VAPO) filed against Joan’s son (and primary caregiver), against Joan’s wishes and with no real basis

Our visit to Joan revealed she had no groceries and hadn’t been bathed in 3 weeks, among other terrible things.  This, despite paying for “caregiving services” for 6 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Joan sought legal counsel.  Joan was in a Limited Guardianship which expressly allowed her the right to seek her own legal counsel.  However, the Yakima Court system waffled back and forth on the appointment of Joan’s chosen attorney, leaving her without representation for 4 months.  Is it within the court’s scope to keep any person from hiring their own attorney?  It is in Yakima.

When Joan was finally able to proceed with hiring her own lawyer, Calhoun and Senior Avenues filed a motion to dismiss Calhoun/Senior Avenues as Limited Guardian.  The motion was granted and Joan immediately seemed to be in better spirits with a new Limited Guardian approved.

A replacement guardian was appointed and Joan worked hard to be reunited with her son, thanks to a review of the Vulnerable Adult Protection Order originally filed by Calhoun.

Her situation further improved as the VAPO against her son was revisited by the courts and modified, reuniting mother and son.  Not surprisingly, much of the pain and chaos in the Mesler family has died down now that Calhoun has been removed from the equation.

Joan’s struggles with Senior Avenues and Kristyan Calhoun aren’t over yet.  There is a hearing on May 22nd regarding the overcharging of fees by Calhoun and Senior Avenues.  We will be reporting on that!

We are so thrilled with the changes and it further strengthens our resolve to advocate for victims of guardianship abuse and to seek reform to the guardianship system.