Southwest Montana News

The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has announced the schedule for its annual Kelly Moorse Memorial Legal Document Clinics in 2022. The clinics will take place in Helena, Frenchtown, Thompson Falls, Butte, and Baker.

These clinics are organized by the DPHHS Legal Services Developer Program. The first clinic is scheduled for April 7 in Helena at the Ramada by Wyndham (Jorgenson’s).

“This is an excellent opportunity for Montanans to receive free assistance preparing a wide variant of legal documents,” stated DPHHS Director Adam Meier. He emphasized the importance of having these documents ready before any medical emergencies and keeping them updated regularly.

The program serves older adults aged 60 and above, enrolled Tribal members, and adults with disabilities. During the clinics, legal professionals volunteer to help participants complete estate planning documents and assist older adults in drafting, reviewing, notarizing, and copying each document.

According to DPHHS experts, a significant cause of senior exploitation in Montana is the lack of awareness about estate planning documents such as Powers of Attorney (POAs), guardianships, living wills, and health directives.

The clinics include a one-day training session for community members on screening for senior exploitation. On the second day, trained legal professionals assist seniors with their estate planning documents at no cost.

“Those exploiting seniors often use a POA to control a senior’s entire life, even though the document does not legally grant them this ability,” said Katy Lovell, Director of the DPHHS Legal Services Developers Program.

In 2021 alone, there were 865 cases opened involving 2,572 legal issues. The most requested legal assistance included estate planning, probate issues, landlord/tenant disputes, exploitation cases, guardianships, collections/garnishments issues, contract problems, Medicaid eligibility questions, property matters and long-term care facility concerns.

Lovell noted that estate planning services are also available year-round through phone clinics at no cost. In 2021 over 850 documents were completed through both in-person clinics and over-the-phone consultations.

During these events staff and volunteers educate not only seniors but also financial professionals healthcare workers law enforcement officers on what Powers of Attorney do or do not allow providing an access point to report financial exploitation abuse neglect “This is an excellent opportunity to educate the community on such an important issue,” Lovell remarked.

Financial exploitation remains a major concern nationwide including Montana where there is a large senior population At these clinics seniors can complete estate planning documents with volunteer legal professionals working alongside DPHHS staff

DPHHS received over 1 986 reports of exploitation in 2021 up from 1 921 in 2020

Montana's aging demographics are shifting By 2030 it is expected that residents aged 60+ will outnumber those under age eighteen

“A recent AARP study found that financial exploitation presents a significant threat to older Americans their families financial institutions” Lovell explained “Addressing exploitation preventing it provides benefits to institutions consumers alike”

Victims lose an average $120k due to exploitation Lovell added

“It is important for anyone who suspects financial exploitation has or is occurring that individuals contact DPHHS - Adult Protective Services (APS) immediately,” Lovell urged “APS works to protect seniors from further harm Often when financial exploitation occurs abuse is also present”

Reports can be made via www aps mt gov or by calling 1-844-277-9300

For more information on upcoming clinic locations times visit here Or check out Legal Services Developer Program website here Space limited appointments required Contact Lovell at 406-444-7787 or toll-free at 1-800-332-2272