A free seminar focused on legal guardianship and its alternatives for older adults will be held on Wednesday, August 20 at 5 p.m. at the Geisinger School of Medicine, located at 525 Pine St. in Scranton.
The event, titled “Needing Help Later in Life: Guardianship and Alternatives to Guardianship,” aims to provide community members with information about the court process involved in guardianship, how older adults’ rights are protected during legal proceedings, and ways to plan for maintaining independence. Attendees will also learn about resources and programs available to support older people.
Speakers scheduled for the seminar include Secretary Jason Kavulich of the Pennsylvania Department of Aging; Keith Hinkel Jr., assistant director of the Office of Elder Justice in the Courts; and Judge Frank J. Ruggiero from the Lackawanna County Court of Common Pleas.
“Secretary Jason Kavulich, Pennsylvania Department of Aging, who brings 24 years of human services experience and a commitment to empowering Pennsylvania’s older adults to age with dignity and independence.”
“Keith Hinkel Jr., assistant director, Office of Elder Justice in the Courts, who supports statewide initiatives on guardianship and elder justice.”
“Judge Frank J. Ruggiero, Lackawanna County Court of Common Pleas, who brings deep insight and expertise from his years in public service and legal practice.”
Media interviews with featured speakers can be arranged after the presentation.
Registration is required for attendance through go.geisinger.edu/guardian.
The event is supported by funding from the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The total financial assistance award amounts to $2,121,598.64—75% funded by ACL/HHS—with an additional $530,399.66 or 25% provided by non-government sources. According to organizers: “The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.”
Geisinger College of Health Sciences serves as Geisinger’s academic branch with a focus on training healthcare professionals through research institutes, graduate medical education programs including medicine and nursing schools as well as faculty development opportunities across its system (https://www.geisinger.edu/gchs).
The college maintains a policy against discrimination in all employment or educational activities; concerns may be directed to their Title IX coordinator listed at geisinger.edu/titleix.
