She'd then charge $7 / min if ward calls her for anything, would do unnecessary repairs, move them from their house into a tiny studio, and then to nursing home shortly after, etc. Basically everything she can to drain the assets as soon as possible.
What was really striking, that in some cases there were relatives who'd find out about what is going on - and even one couple's daughter could not take guardianship back from that professional guardian in court.
I don't know how widespread such abuse really is, but with the sheer amount of power that guardian has and the fact that wards are usually old, sick or disabled people, i can imagine the abuse is rampant.
I think we remembered the same story, but can't quite place where or when it was written.
As people get too old to care for themselves, this is common, and they have a lot of assets.
Wow, had no idea of the magnitude of this aspect of American life. (I live in San Francisco since 2012).