AARP Massachusetts

Bill now heads to Governor Deval Patrick’s desk for signature into law.

Excellent news! Massachusetts is one step closer to joining 38 other states in passing the Uniform Adult Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Jurisdiction Act (UAGPPJA), and adopting a model set of rules to make it easier for family caregivers to provide care across state lines.

Imagine you’ve just moved to Massachusetts. Ten years ago, after sending your children off to college, you took on the responsibility of being the legal guardian of your ailing aunt, and moved her to a facility close to your home. You’ve now relocated to Massachusetts for a job opportunity, but once settled in the Commonwealth, you realize that your rights as your aunt’s legal guardian do not transfer to the Bay State. What do you do?

It’s wintertime in New England. For some that means skiing, hot chocolate, sledding, and cozy evenings spent sitting by a fire. For others, including many Massachusetts seniors, it means shoveling heavy wet snow, being wary when walking outdoors for fear of slipping on ice, and struggling to pay for increased fuel costs to stay warm.

There’s been a lot of talk about Social Security, but one thing that hasn’t come up in the conversation is the vital role it plays as an engine of the U.S. economy.