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Important work was done this morning in a nondescript state building in Tallahassee. The Department of Elder Affairs began the process of implementing new rules for the Guardians who care of those who can’t care for themselves. And As Mike Vasilinda tells us, the change comes after years of complaints.

94 year old Ernestine Franks sill lives in her Pensacola home, but her family claims she is being isolated by professional guardians who have gone through a million and half dollars of her savings. Her son, Doug Franks, has been a leader in the fight for legislative changes

“They are taking the greatest generation ever and imprisoning them. they are taking all their wealth away and isolating them and its making a disaster for their golden years” says Franks.

A dozen people showed up for rule making session on the new legislation. Alan Sayler of St. Petersburg battled with his mother-in-laws guardian before she died.

“The guardian has restricted family visitation” Sayler told the hearing officer.

Other called in.

“I’ve been through hell, sir!” said a caller.

Sharing one horror story after another.. Families were destroyed. Wards over medicated to keep them quiet.

“she sat all day in a windowless room with no bed” said another caller.

Heirlooms sold to pay the guardians.

Professional guardianships are a growth industry in Florida. Fueled by cash. They’ve grown from just a few n to more than 450 in the last decade.

The new legislation biggest hammer is the ability to take away a guardianship license.

Lynn Sayler spend years battling her mothers guardian.

Sot: Lynn Sayler

St. Petersburg

“If they re committing crimes and they are hurting people, they should be held accountable. In all aspects” says Sayler.

We asked: ”But all this will do is take away their license.”

A:”Right,  but then they can’t practice, so maybe it works” she replied.

The new rules are expected to be in place this fall.

Being a professional guardian requires the completion of a 40 course,  and a one hundred dollar registration fee, a successful background check, a credit check, and the completion of 16 hours of continuing education every other year.