I’ve been following the news story about authorities finding actor Gene Hackman and his wife at their New Mexico home. The more details emerge, the more it highlights issues we discuss here on Boomer Time, including aging, end-of-life care, staying at home, keeping older loved ones safe, and estate planning. As I always say, these issues affect us all, and planning—personalized planning—is key. It appears Gene Hackman could have used additional estate planning, though we are still learning the circumstances surrounding his death. I want to discuss the estate planning aspect before we delve into today’s larger issue.
Obviously, Gene Hackman’s estate would be significant. Reports now value it at about $80 million, including the $4 million estate in New Mexico featured in the news.
It seems Gene Hackman made a will with an attorney in Texas at some point. It’s unclear if it was updated. From what I’ve heard, it lacked many contingent provisions (if this, then this). Reportedly, Gene Hackman left his entire estate to his wife. His wife is also deceased. There was also a trust, and his wife was named Successor Trustee upon his death. The circumstances since their passing are unclear. Several red flags for me: the last time Gene Hackman updated his will was in 2005—20 years prior. It’s unclear if he left anything to his three children from his first wife. His second wife, Betsy, did have a contingent provision in her estate planning documents, providing for an alternate distribution to a list of charities at her death. This situation appears ripe for court challenges, given the blended family, the time lapse in estate planning, and the significant amount of money involved. Stay tuned.
In this episode of Boomer Time, we’re shifting focus slightly. I want to build on the recent news of Gene Hackman’s death because it offers additional important lessons. These include everything from end-of-life care to necessary support, estate planning (which we’ve already touched on), and the potential for abuse and exploitation. We’re discussing issues that arise in the sunset years and how to protect yourself if you want to remain at home or if you’re caring for an older adult. Both are significant here, and we’re examining the recent deaths of Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy, 65.
You might think something like this wouldn’t happen, and while we don’t yet know all the details surrounding their deaths, we did gain an important glimpse into their lifestyle in that New Mexico house. Although they had a handyman and some local contacts, they were mostly relying on each other and otherwise alone in that sprawling house.
Reports indicate that Gene Hackman and his wife lived in relative solitude in their later years, raising the question: What happens when elderly individuals live alone, isolated from family and community? More importantly, what legal risks accompany that isolation?
This is what I want to discuss today: the isolation that can often result from the decision to remain at home in your later years. I’m not saying don’t do that. I just want to offer suggestions for better support if you choose to “age in place,” and advice on protecting yourself from potential problems.
So, let’s discuss the challenges of living alone and the legal perspective on elder isolation. As an elder law attorney, I address these questions regularly. When an elderly person lives alone, especially in isolation, several significant legal issues can arise. These range from guardianship and financial management to potential elder abuse and estate disputes. Many of these issues relate to topics covered in prior episodes, which we will try to reference for you.
Let’s break down some of the most common issues.
In this episode of Boomer Time, we’re shifting focus slightly. I want to build on the recent news of Gene Hackman’s death because it offers additional important lessons. These include everything from end-of-life care to necessary support, estate planning (which we’ve already touched on), and the potential for abuse and exploitation. We’re discussing issues that arise in the sunset years and how to protect yourself if you want to remain at home or if you’re caring for an older adult. Both are significant here, and we’re examining the recent deaths of Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy, 65.
You might think something like this wouldn’t happen, and while we don’t yet know all the details surrounding their deaths, we did gain an important glimpse into their lifestyle in that New Mexico house. Although they had a handyman and some local contacts, they were mostly relying on each other and otherwise alone in that sprawling house.
Reports indicate that Gene Hackman and his wife lived in relative solitude in their later years, raising the question: What happens when elderly individuals live alone, isolated from family and community? More importantly, what legal risks accompany that isolation?
This is what I want to discuss today: the isolation that can often result from the decision to remain at home in your later years. I’m not saying don’t do that. I just want to offer suggestions for better support if you choose to “age in place,” and advice on protecting yourself from potential problems.
So, let’s discuss the challenges of living alone and the legal perspective on elder isolation. As an elder law attorney, I address these questions regularly. When an elderly person lives alone, especially in isolation, several significant legal issues can arise. These range from guardianship and financial management to potential elder abuse and estate disputes. Many of these issues relate to topics covered in prior episodes, which we will try to reference for you.
Let’s break down some of the most common issues.
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I’ve been following the news story about authorities finding actor Gene Hackman and his wife at their New Mexico home. The more details emerge, the more it highlights issues we discuss here on Boomer Time, including aging, end-of-life care, staying at home, keeping older loved ones safe, and estate planning. As I always say, these… Read more: Episode 63: Is it safe for me to live alone? - Medicaid 5-Year Lookback: Explained by an Estate Planning Attorney
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For many Baby Boomers, the idea of needing assistance as we age can feel overwhelming, and the possibility of a conservatorship may seem like an inevitable reality. Last episode we talked about conservatorships tackling what they are, their purpose and some of the challenges they present AND how to avoid them. If you missed that… Read more: Episode 61: The Consequences of Conservatorships - Episode 60: What Exactly is a Conservatorship?
Whether you’re a caregiver for an elderly family member, or someone who’s concerned about their own future care, understanding conservatorships is crucial. But it’s not all smooth sailing. There are some serious pitfalls, and real-life stories which can be downright scary — like that of pop singer Britney Spears’ recent legal battle over her conservatorship,… Read more: Episode 60: What Exactly is a Conservatorship? - Episode 59: Executors Behaving Badly
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If an elderly person becomes mentally or physically incapacitated and unable to make decisions, family members or a third party may need to intervene. This could lead to a guardianship or conservatorship process, challenges we discussed in a recent two-part podcast.
Unfortunately, isolation often makes elderly individuals vulnerable to abuse, whether physical or financial. Many cases involve older adults living alone who fall victim to physical abuse, often by caregivers or even family members. Financial exploitation can also occur, including fraud, manipulation, or unauthorized access to an elderly person’s assets.
I try to stay updated on all these scams. There are many out there, and I try to share stories of cases where seniors have been scammed here in Chattanooga. I recently learned of another case involving a woman in Harrison who had lived alone for decades. Someone called her home phone, claiming she owed $30,000 in back taxes and needed immediate payment to avoid losing her house and family land. It sounded convincing, and she fell for it. She went to the bank, obtained a cashier’s check (which is like cash), and the scammers had the audacity to come to her house and pick up the check.
The issues arising from this isolation are so pervasive that the AARP is advocating for legislation known as the Loneliness and Isolation Act, to address this issue as a public health concern. While addressing this at the national level sounds complex, I believe there are things we can do at the grassroots level and within families, such as improving regular communication with older family members.
In addition to communication, here are some very practical steps you can take:
- Estate Planning: Ensure you have specific, clear, and updated estate planning in place. This includes a valid will, possibly a trust, powers of attorney, and directives for medical care. I can assist you with this. This will ensure your directives are followed and can prevent costly legal battles.
- Regular Check-ins: If you have an elderly relative living alone, regular check-ins are critical. These can include daily calls, visits, or arranging for home care services. The more involved you are in their life, the better the chance of preventing abuse or neglect and ensuring their mental and physical well-being.
- Legal Counsel: Maintain an ongoing relationship with an elder law attorney. This will help prevent many of the issues I’ve mentioned.
- Physical Risks: Discuss the increased risk of falls, chronic health conditions, and medication management when older adults live alone. Falls are a primary reason people end up in the hospital and sometimes in a nursing home, unable to return home.
- Social Isolation and Mental Health: Social isolation is a significant factor in the rise of mental health problems in older adults. Conditions like depression, dementia, and anxiety are more common among those who live alone. Declining mental health can impair decision-making capacity, complicating guardianship, conservatorship, and estate matters.
Here’s another story to illustrate the potential weight of isolation. These examples help in understanding these complex legal issues:
Henry had always been a loner. He never married, and his siblings had passed away years ago. (Red flag: He needed estate planning.)
In his 90s, Henry lived alone in a small apartment. Over time, phone calls became less frequent, and family visits dwindled as life got busier for everyone. While Henry had always preferred solitude, he began to feel the weight of isolation. He hadn’t left his apartment in over a week when he started feeling lightheaded and dizzy. He also hadn’t been eating regularly, relying mostly on canned soup. One day, his neighbor, Ella, knocked on his door to check on him. She noticed his thin frame and the messy apartment. Henry reluctantly admitted he was struggling. Ella offered to help, bringing him meals, doing his grocery shopping, and checking in on him daily. Eventually, she convinced him to see a doctor. He was severely dehydrated and had mild malnutrition, contributing to his dizziness. With Ella’s support, Henry regained his strength, and his outlook on life changed. He learned that relying on others wasn’t a sign of weakness, and he slowly began to reconnect with his community, accepting the support he had long resisted.
Happy ending, thanks to a good Samaritan neighbor. I emphasize the importance of community here on Boomer Time.
As I’ve already mentioned, more frequent communication and a comprehensive estate plan are critical. Let’s discuss some proactive steps regarding the home itself.
There are practical modifications you can make to the home to improve accessibility, such as grab bars, ramps, and clear pathways, to help with things like getting into the shower and navigating stairs, and to prevent falls. It’s also important to have a medical alert system for emergencies.
Here are some other suggestions:
- Consider health monitoring devices and smartwatches that can track sleep patterns, heart rates, and falls.
- Establish a routine of regular check-ins, such as phone calls or video calls.
- Encourage your loved one to engage in local community activities with like-minded seniors or to volunteer, if able. Hospitals always have a great team of older volunteers.
- Explore better transportation options.
The question of whether it is illegal to leave an elderly person alone touches on broader societal and legal responsibilities concerning elder care. As populations age, this issue becomes increasingly relevant, highlighting the need for clear guidelines and protections for vulnerable individuals.
The legal framework surrounding elder care is complex and varies by jurisdiction. In the United States, federal laws like the Older Americans Act provide a foundation for elder care, emphasizing services that uphold the dignity and welfare of older adults. However, state laws primarily dictate caregiver obligations to ensure the safety and well-being of elderly individuals.
We will circle back to this issue, including the complex issues of abuse and exploitation, some more in a future episode.
Here’s something else simple and proactive you can do: Follow this podcast so you never miss an episode, and share it with a friend. If you have a question or topic suggestion, I want to hear from you. You can find us on YouTube, Spotify, and my website, nancycogar.com. Join the Boomer Time community on Facebook. That’s what Boomer Time is all about: sharing my expertise to help make your older years better and more prepared. We’re seeing more and more conversations surrounding elder isolation, and we need to address it head-on, particularly as the U.S. Census Bureau projects that the number of Americans aged 65 and older will nearly double from 49 million in 2016 to 95 million by 2060.
The time to act is now. If you don’t have a plan in place, or if you have elderly loved ones, don’t wait. Start the conversation today about estate planning, regular check-ins, and ensuring they are legally protected. Reach out to me and schedule a strategy session. We will sit down and figure all this out together.
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Disclaimer: The information provided on this website and on the podcast is not intended to be considered as legal advice or constitute an attorney/client relationship as provided under the Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct.
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