PRESS RELEASE

SINAI'S ALZHEIMER'S CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP PRESENTS
"FYI: THE NEW MASSACHUSETTS GUARDIANSHIP LAW"

STOUGHTON, MA — Many caregivers may not know that a new Massachusetts Guardianship law became effective on July 1, 2009 under the State’s Uniform Probate Code. On Thursday, September 10, 2009 at 4pm New England Sinai Hospital’s Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group will begin its fall season with a free talk about this new law speaker and elder law attorney Ron Kearns from the Senior Resource Center in Quincy. He will discuss the importance of preparing comprehensive health care proxy and durable power of attorney documents and share his expertise on this and other elder law topics. “With these documents in hand and proper planning both guardianship and conservatorship can be avoided,” Kearns says. The Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group presents ongoing support and education programs and monthly talks that are free and open to the public at the Sinai Alzheimer’s Center, located directly across the street from the hospital at 143 York Street in Stoughton. Attendees are welcome to stay from 5:00 to 5:30 pm to enjoy refreshments, socialize and take a break from caregiving. To learn more and to register, call (781) 297-1375.

A guardianship is court ordered supervision on behalf of an incapacitated person for the purpose of making medical decisions. A conservatorship is court ordered supervision on behalf of an incapacitated person for the purpose of making financial and legal decisions. Ron will also discuss some recent changes in general elder laws that may be of interest to caregivers. All those attending will receive “Getting Started” a free resource book on elder law and resources.  There will be time for a question and answer session at the conclusion of the talk. Light refreshments will be served and there will be time for caregivers to socialize.

The Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group provides support, information and respite for caregivers of those with Alzheimer's and other dementia problems. Attendees can take a much needed break from caregiving, meet with others they can relate to and exchange helpful tips. The Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group is led by Deb Ribak, LSW, Assistant Director, Social Worker & Admissions Coordinator for Adult Day Health Programs.

New England Sinai Hospital is a 212-bed, non-sectarian, not-for-profit, long-term acute-care hospital with its main campus in Stoughton, MA and inpatient satellite units in Boston and Dorchester. Recognized as a regional leader in pulmonary, medically complex and acute rehabilitation care, Sinai also offers a wide range of outpatient programs and services.  Sinai is a teaching affiliate of Tufts University School of Medicine.
                                                                        -30-