Preventing Financial Abuse, Health Care Directives, Power of Attorney, Wills and Help

WELLNESS SEMINAR Preventing Financial Abuse, Health Care Directives, Power of Attorney, Wills and Help

Maureen Recksiedler, Wellness Committee Member

The Arts Forward Gallery in Neepawa was filled with retirees from Neepawa, Dauphin and surrounding communities. They were there to participate in a seminar on October 4, 2017, given by Sharon Tod. Sharon is a lawyer with St. Mary’s Law in Winnipeg. Many thanks to Wellness Committee member Joan Rink and her volunteers who took care of every detail ensuring that the seminar ran smoothly.

Sharon began her presentation by urging all of of us to have a Power of Attorney. It is very important to appoint a responsible person to act as our attorney to manage our affairs and make decisions when we may not be able to do it ourselves. The document becomes null and void when we die.

A will is equally important. It will take effect when we die. Sharon suggested that we choose a reliable executor who will carry out our wishes in a timely manner. We need to let our families and executors know where this document is kept.

There was a discussion about joint ownership of bank accounts and homes other than with a spouse. Sharon gave us some real life examples of how financial abuse may happen in these situations.

Another important document to have is a Health Care Directive. It is often referred to as a living will. It comes into effect when we do not have the capacity to make decisions with respect to treatment. As with wills, we need to make our wishes known to our families and proxy. Sharon suggested that we hand out copies of our Health Care Directive. ERIK kits were available on the registration table to take home. The kit comes with magnets attached so it can be placed on the

fridge. It should contain pertinent information about current medications being taken so if an emergency takes place at home, paramedics will have this information readily available.

Having a Power of Attorney, Will, Health Care Directive and a competent attorney and executor will give us peace of mind.

Planning ahead will ensure our wishes will be followed and help our family through a stressful time. ¡

President’s Message (continued from page 3)

on a daily basis to respond to member concerns. However, as we are a small office environment, I do remind you that if you are planning to visit the office, please call in advance to ensure that Staff is present and available to meet with you. - As the end of 2017 draws near, it is a time of reflection and hope. It only takes a few days of following the local, national and international news to realize that we are really in a good place, and perhaps should spend more of our energy appreciating and celebrating that.

I wish one and all a holiday season of special times with family and friends and a happy, healthy and safe 2018! ¡